Transmission apparatus, reception apparatus, communication system, transmission method, reception method, and programs thereof

ABSTRACT

[Object] To provide a transmission apparatus, a reception apparatus, a communication system, a transmission method, a reception method, and programs therefor that are capable of efficiently transmitting at least a plurality of pieces of video data included in data of a plurality of contents at the same time. [Solving Means] A switch unit ( 32   a ) of a transmission apparatus selects one of a plurality of pieces of video data supplied from a storage apparatus ( 42 ) in accordance with video data designated by a transmission data control unit ( 32   i ) and supplies it to an IF unit ( 32   b ). The IF unit ( 32   b ) transmits video data decoded by a decode unit ( 113 ) from a terminal ( 335 ). The compressed video data supplied from the switch unit ( 32   a ) is transmitted via a terminal ( 336 ). The terminal ( 335 ) is included in a first channel unit. In a case where the IF unit ( 32   b ) is an HDMI, for example, the terminal ( 335 ) is a terminal for a TMDS channel. The terminal ( 336 ) is a terminal that is included in a second channel unit and connected to a reserved line, an HPD line, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/331,858, filed Jul. 15, 2014, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/153,615, filed Jan. 13, 2014, (U.S.Pat. No. 8,860,884), which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/734,487, filed May 5, 2010, (U.S. Pat. No. 8,675,134), whichis a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2008/070774 filed Nov. 14, 2008, published on Jun.4, 2009 as WO 2009/069482 A1, which claims priority from Japanese PatentApplication No. JP 2007-308087 filed in the Japanese Patent Office onNov. 28, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus that transmitsat least uncompressed (baseband) digital video data, a receptionapparatus that receives the transmitted video data, a communicationsystem including those apparatuses, a transmission method and areception method as methods therefor, and programs therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

From the past, in digital television broadcasts, for example, there is amulti-view technique of displaying a plurality of video content screenson one screen displayed on a display connected to a receiver thatreceives videos (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this technique, a transmission-side transmission apparatus thattransmits videos transmits size-reduced video signals for service thatcorrespond to a plurality of channels. The receiver causes the displayto display a multi-screen (13) in which the video signals for serviceare arranged longitudinally and laterally. A user uses a remotecontroller or the like to select one of the plurality of videos by focusdisplay while looking at the multi-screen (13). Accordingly, the usercan view a program of the selected video.

On the other hand, in recent years, an HDMI (High Definition MultimediaInterface) (registered trademark (hereinafter, referred to as R)) isbecoming popular as a communication interface for transmittinguncompressed (baseband) video data and audio data associated with thevideo at high speed. For example, an HDMI(R) is capable of transmittinghigh-image-quality video data from a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)recorder, a set-top box, and other AV (Audio Visual) sources to atelevision receiver, a projector, and other displays.

The HDMI(R) includes a TMDS (Transition Minimized DifferentialSignaling) channel that unidirectionally transmits video data and audiodata from an HDMI source to an HDMI sink at high speed. In the HDMI, aCEC line (Consumer Electronics Control Line) and the like forbidirectional communication between the HDMI(R) source and the HDMI(R)sink is defined in the HDMI specifications.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-281406(paragraph [0032], FIGS. 5(A) to (C))

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to Be Solved By the Invention

Incidentally, assuming that, for example, there is a system thatincludes a reproduction apparatus capable of supplying a plurality ofpieces of video data included in a plurality of contents (video contentsetc.) and a display connected to the reproduction apparatus via, forexample, an HDMI(R), for realizing the multi-screen described above inthis system, the reproduction apparatus and the display need to beconnected by a plurality of HDMI(R) cables. This is because, when videodata is transmitted digitally by an HDMI(R) standard or the like, onlyone video can be transmitted by one cable. In this case, a burden isplaced on a user using the system.

In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide a transmission apparatus, a receptionapparatus, a communication system, a transmission method, a receptionmethod, and programs therefor that are capable of efficientlytransmitting at least a plurality of pieces of video data included indata of a plurality of contents at the same time.

Means for Solving the Problem

For attaining the object above, according to the present invention,there is provided a transmission apparatus including: an interfaceincluding a first channel unit capable of transmitting, out of aplurality of pieces of video data included in data of a plurality ofcontents, first video data constituted of a baseband, and a secondchannel unit capable of transmitting, out of the plurality of pieces ofvideo data, second video data encoded by a predetermined codec; and acontrol means for controlling a transmission of each of the first videodata and the second video data by the interface.

Specifically, in the present invention, the first and second video dataare transmitted by two different channel units (first and second channelunits). Accordingly, the plurality of pieces of video data can beefficiently transmitted at the same time.

In view of the object of the present invention, the phrase “at the sametime” only needs to mean “at the same time” to an extent that the firstand second video data (including partial pictures of those pieces ofdata) can be displayed on one screen in a case where the first andsecond video data are displayed by a reception apparatus that receivesthem.

The transmission control by the control means only needs to be executedby multitask or multi-thread processing. Alternatively, one of thetransmissions of the first and second video data may be main processingwhile the other is interrupt processing. The transmission control by thecontrol means includes control of, for example, the number of pieces ofvideo data to be transmitted (number of contents), a transmissiontiming, a volume of data to be transmitted, and other items related to atransmission.

The second channel unit is structured to be capable of performingunidirectional communication or bidirectional communication. When thesecond channel unit performs bidirectional communication, either ahalf-duplex communication system or a full-duplex communication systemmay be used as a communication system. In this case, a communicationprotocol is typically the Ethernet (registered trademark), but otherprotocols may be used instead.

The first channel unit and/or the second channel unit may include aplurality of terminals to be connected to a plurality of lines.

The interface is an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

For example, the control means transmits the first video data using aTMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) channel of the HDMIas the first channel unit. An efficient transmission becomes possible bythus transmitting the first video data as baseband data that has a largevolume using the TMDS channel.

In this case, the control means transmits the second video data using atleast one of a reserved line, an HPD (Hot-Plug Detect) line, an SCL(Serial Clock) line, and an SDA (Serial Data) line of the HDMI as thesecond channel unit.

When all of the reserved line, the HPD line, the SCL line, and the SDAline are used, a full-duplex communication system that uses a twist paironly needs to be adopted, for example.

When two lines out of the four lines are used, a twist pair only needsto be constituted by those two lines. In this case, the half-duplexcommunication system is adopted as the communication system.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use, when two lines out of thefour lines are used, one of them for a transmission and the other for areception, for example. In this case, the full-duplex communicationsystem is adopted.

The communication protocol of the second channel unit is typically theEthernet (registered trademark), but other protocols may be usedinstead.

Alternatively, it is also possible to transmit the second video datausing three lines out of the four lines. In this case, two lines for atransmission (or a reception) are used as a twist pair and one line fora reception (or a transmission) is used as a single wire.

The control means causes first audio data of a baseband included in thecontent of the first video data to be transmitted from the first channelunit and causes second audio data that is included in the content of thesecond video data and encoded by a predetermined codec to be transmittedfrom the second channel unit. With this structure, a plurality of piecesof audio data included in the plurality of contents are transmitted atthe same time. As a result, the reception apparatus that has receivedthe plurality of pieces of audio data, for example, can output theplurality of audios to a plurality of speakers at the same time.Alternatively, the reception apparatus can superimpose parts of or allof the plurality of pieces of received audio data and output them to asingle speaker.

The control means causes the second video data that is provided plurallyto be transmitted from the second channel unit. With this structure, thetransmission apparatus can transmit at least one piece of first videodata and the plurality of pieces of second video data at the same time.

The control means causes a control signal related to the transmission ofthe second video data to be transmitted from the second channel unit. Inthis case, the control means can cause the control signal related to thetransmission of the first video data to be transmitted from a thirdchannel unit different from the first channel unit. Since the firstvideo data is baseband data, a volume of data to be communicated betweenthe transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus via the firstchannel unit is large. Therefore, by transmitting the control signalfrom the second channel unit, such a volume restriction is not imposed.

The present invention is particularly useful when a user operates thetransmission apparatus via the reception apparatus in a case where thecommunication held between the transmission apparatus and the receptionapparatus via the second channel unit is bidirectional communication. Inthis case, since the control signal is transmitted from the receptionapparatus to the transmission apparatus via the second channel unit,user-friendliness is improved.

Alternatively, the control means may cause a control signal related tothe transmission of the first video data to be transmitted from thesecond channel unit.

According to the present invention, there is provided a receptionapparatus including: an interface including a first channel unit capableof receiving, out of a plurality of pieces of video data included indata of a plurality of contents, first video data constituted of abaseband, and a second channel unit capable of receiving, out of theplurality of pieces of video data, second video data encoded by apredetermined codec; and a control means for controlling a reception ofeach of the first video data and the second video data by the interface.

The control means causes, when the transmission apparatus causes firstaudio data included in the content of the first video data to betransmitted from a third channel unit and second audio data included inthe content of the second video data to be transmitted from a fourthchannel unit, the transmitted first audio data to be received by thefirst channel unit and the transmitted second audio data to be receivedby the second channel unit. With this structure, a plurality of piecesof audio data included in the plurality of contents are transmitted atthe same time. As a result, the reception apparatus can output theplurality of audios to a plurality of speakers at the same time.Alternatively, the reception apparatus can superimpose parts of or allof the plurality of pieces of received audio data and output them to asingle speaker.

The reception apparatus further includes: a decoder to decode thereceived second video data; and a combination means for generatingcombined screen data by combining the received first video data and thedecoded second video data on one screen. With this structure, aplurality of videos can be displayed on one screen.

According to the present invention, there is provided a communicationsystem including: a transmission apparatus including a first interfaceincluding a first channel unit capable of transmitting, out of aplurality of pieces of video data included in data of a plurality ofcontents, first video data constituted of a baseband, and a secondchannel unit capable of transmitting, out of the plurality of pieces ofvideo data, second video data encoded by a predetermined codec, and afirst control means for controlling a transmission of each of the firstvideo data and the second video data by the first interface; and areception apparatus including a second interface including a thirdchannel unit capable of receiving the first video data and a fourthchannel unit capable of receiving the second video data, and a secondcontrol means for controlling a reception of each of the first videodata and the second video data by the first interface.

According to the present invention, there is provided a transmissionmethod including: transmitting, by a first channel unit, first videodata constituted of a baseband out of a plurality of pieces of videodata included in data of a plurality of contents; transmitting, by asecond channel unit, second video data encoded by a predetermined codecout of the plurality of pieces of video data; and controlling atransmission of each of the first video data and the second video data.

According to the present invention, there is provided a reception methodincluding: receiving, by a first channel unit, first video dataconstituted of a baseband out of a plurality of pieces of video dataincluded in data of a plurality of contents; receiving, by a secondchannel unit, second video data encoded by a predetermined codec out ofthe plurality of pieces of video data; and controlling a reception ofeach of the first video data and the second video data.

The present invention is also applicable to programs for realizing thetransmission method and the reception method.

Effect of the Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, at least aplurality of pieces of video data included in a plurality of contentscan be efficiently transmitted at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] A diagram showing a structure of a general picture transmissionsystem.

[FIG. 2] A diagram showing a structure of a picture transmission systemaccording to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[FIG. 3] A diagram showing a structural example of an HDMI(R) source andan HDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 4] A diagram showing a Type-A connector pin assignment of anHDMI(R).

[FIG. 5] A diagram showing a Type-C connector pin assignment of theHDMI(R).

[FIG. 6] A diagram showing a more-specific structural example of theHDMI(R) source and the HDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 7] A diagram showing another more-specific structural example ofthe HDMI(R) source and the HDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 8] A diagram showing an E-EDID data structure.

[FIG. 9] A diagram showing a Vender Specific data structure.

[FIG. 10] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) source.

[FIG. 11] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 12] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) source.

[FIG. 13] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 14] A diagram showing another more-specific structural example ofthe HDMI(R) source and the HDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 15] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) source.

[FIG. 16] A flowchart for explaining communication processing by theHDMI(R) sink.

[FIG. 17] A block diagram showing a structural example of a computeraccording to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[FIG. 18] A circuit diagram showing a first structural example of acommunication system in which a connection state of an interface isnotified based on a DC bias potential of at least one of transmissionchannels.

[FIG. 19] A diagram showing a structural example of the system whenusing the Ethernet (registered trademark).

[FIG. 20] A circuit diagram showing a second structural example of thecommunication system in which the connection state of the interface isnotified based on a DC bias potential of at least one of thetransmission channels.

[FIG. 21] Diagrams showing a bidirectional communication waveform in thecommunication system of the structural example.

[FIG. 22] A block diagram showing a structural example of a systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 23] A block diagram showing a structural example of a displayapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 24] A block diagram showing a structural example of arecording/reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[FIG. 25] An explanatory diagram showing a structural example of atransmission channel in a cable according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[FIG. 26] An explanatory diagram showing a structural example of data ofone frame at a time of a transmission by the cable according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 27] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-transmission side according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 28] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-reception side according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 29] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-transmission side according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 30] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-reception side according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 31] An explanatory diagram showing a structural example of apacket according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 32] An explanatory diagram showing a structural example of apacket according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 33] An explanatory diagram showing a transmission example(Example 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 34] An explanatory diagram showing a transmission example (Example2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 35] An explanatory diagram showing a transmission example (Example3) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 36] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-transmission side according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 37] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-reception side according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 38] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-transmission side according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

[FIG. 39] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-reception side according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 40] An explanatory diagram showing a structural example of a1-frame transmission according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 41] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-transmission side according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 42] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-reception side according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 43] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-transmission side according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 44] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-reception side according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 45] An explanatory diagram showing a video data transmissionexample based on an HDMI standard.

[FIG. 46] An explanatory diagram showing a video data transmissionexample based on the HDMI standard.

[FIG. 47] An explanatory diagram showing a video data transmissionexample based on the HDMI standard.

[FIG. 48] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-transmission side according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 49] A block diagram showing a structural example on avideo-reception side according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[FIG. 50] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-transmission side according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[FIG. 51] A flowchart showing a processing example on thevideo-reception side according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a general picturetransmission system as a reference example of this embodiment.Hereinafter, “picture” refers to both a still image and a moving imagewhile mainly referring to each frame of a moving image. “Video” refersto a moving image. However, in describing the embodiments of the presentinvention, those two are not clearly differentiated and havesubstantially the same meaning.

In FIG. 1, a digital television receiver 11, an AV amplifier 12, and areproducing apparatus 14 are installed in a living room on a left-handside of a user residence in the figure. The digital television receiver11 and AV amplifier 12 and the AV amplifier 12 and reproducing apparatus14 are connected by an HDMI cable 13 and an HDMI cable 15, respectively.

Moreover, a hub 16 is installed in the living room, and the digitaltelevision receiver 11 and the reproducing apparatus 14 are connected tothe hub 16 by a LAN (Local Area Network) cable 17 and a LAN cable 18,respectively. Furthermore, in the figure, a digital television receiver19 is installed in a bedroom on a right-hand side from the living room,and the digital television receiver 19 is connected to the hub 16 via aLAN cable 20.

In a case where a content recorded in the reproducing apparatus 14 isreproduced and a picture is displayed on the digital television receiver11, for example, the reproducing apparatus 14 decodes pixel data andaudio data for reproducing the content and supplies the resultantuncompressed pixel data and audio data to the digital televisionreceiver 11 via the HDMI cable 15, the AV amplifier 12, and the HDMIcable 13. Then, the digital television receiver 11 displays a picture oroutputs an audio based on the pixel data and the audio data suppliedfrom the reproducing apparatus 14.

Moreover, in a case where a content recorded in the reproducingapparatus 14 is reproduced and a picture is displayed on the digitaltelevision receiver 11 and the digital television receiver 19 at thesame time, the reproducing apparatus 14 supplies compressed pixel dataand audio data for reproducing the content to the digital televisionreceiver 11 via the LAN cable 18, the hub 16, and the LAN cable 17, andalso supplies them to the digital television receiver 19 via the LANcable 18, the hub 16, and the LAN cable 20.

Then, the digital television receiver 11 and the digital televisionreceiver 19 decode the pixel data and the audio data supplied from thereproducing apparatus 14 and displays a picture or outputs an audiobased on the resultant uncompressed pixel data and audio data.

Furthermore, in a case where the digital television receiver 11 hasreceived pixel data and audio data for reproducing atelevision-broadcasted program, when the received audio data is, forexample, 5.1 channel surround audio data and the digital televisionreceiver 11 therefore cannot decode the received audio data, the digitaltelevision receiver 11 converts the audio data into an optical signaland transmits it to the AV amplifier 12.

The AV amplifier 12 receives the optical signal transmitted from thedigital television receiver 11 and performs a photoelectric conversionthereon, and decodes the resultant audio data. Then, the AV amplifier 12amplifies the decoded uncompressed audio data as necessary andreproduces the audio from a surround speaker connected to the AVamplifier 12. Accordingly, by decoding the received pixel data,displaying a picture based on the decoded pixel data, and outputting anaudio by the AV amplifier 12 based on the audio data supplied to the AVamplifier 12, the digital television receiver 11 reproduces a 5.1channel surround program.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a picture transmission systemaccording to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The picture transmission system is constituted of a digital televisionreceiver 31, an amplifier 32, a reproducing apparatus 33, and a digitaltelevision receiver 34. The digital television receiver 31 and amplifier32 and the amplifier 32 and reproducing apparatus 33 are respectivelyconnected by an HDMI(R) cable 35 and an HDMI(R) cable 36 ascommunication cables conforming to an HDMI(R). In addition, the digitaltelevision receiver 31 and the digital television receiver 34 areconnected by a LAN cable 37 for a LAN, such as the Ethernet (registeredtrademark).

In the example of FIG. 2, the digital television receiver 31, theamplifier 32, and the reproducing apparatus 33 are installed in a livingroom on a left-hand side of a user residence in the figure, and thedigital television receiver 34 is installed in a bedroom on a right-handside from the living room.

The reproducing apparatus 33 is constituted of, for example, a DVDplayer or a hard disk recorder, and decodes pixel data and audio datafor reproducing a content and supplies the resultant uncompressed pixeldata and audio data to the amplifier 32 via the HDMI(R) cable 36.

The amplifier 32 is constituted of, for example, an AV amplifier, andupon being supplied with the pixel data and the audio data from thereproducing apparatus 33, amplifies the supplied audio data asnecessary. Moreover, the amplifier supplies the audio data amplified asnecessary and the pixel data that have been supplied from thereproducing apparatus 33 to the digital television receiver 31 via theHDMI(R) cable 35. The digital television receiver 31 displays a pictureor outputs an audio based on the pixel data and the audio data suppliedfrom the amplifier 32 and reproduces a content.

Furthermore, the digital television receiver 31 and the amplifier 32 arecapable of performing bidirectional communication such as IPcommunication at high speed using the HDMI(R) cable 35, and theamplifier 32 and the reproducing apparatus 33 are also capable ofperforming bidirectional communication such as IP communication at highspeed using the HDMI(R) cable 36.

Specifically, by performing IP communication with the amplifier 32, thereproducing apparatus 33 can transmit compressed pixel data and audiodata to the amplifier 32 via the HDMI(R) cable 36 as data conforming toan IP, and the amplifier 32 can receive the compressed pixel data andaudio data transmitted from the reproducing apparatus 33.

Further, by performing IP communication with the digital televisionreceiver 31, the amplifier 32 can transmit compressed pixel data andaudio data to the digital television receiver 31 via the HDMI(R) cable35 as data conforming to the IP, and the digital television receiver 31can receive the compressed pixel data and audio data transmitted fromthe amplifier 32.

Therefore, the digital television receiver 31 can transmit the receivedpixel data and audio data to the digital television receiver 34 via theLAN cable 37. Moreover, the digital television receiver 31 decodes thereceived pixel data and audio data and, based on the resultantuncompressed pixel data and audio data, displays a picture or outputs anaudio and reproduces a content.

The digital television receiver 34 receives and decodes the pixel dataand the audio data transmitted from the digital television receiver 31via the LAN cable 37 and, based on the uncompressed pixel data and audiodata obtained by the decode, displays a picture or outputs an audio andthus reproduces a content. Accordingly, in the digital televisionreceiver 31 and the digital television receiver 34, the same content ordifferent contents can be reproduced at the same time.

Furthermore, in a case where the digital television receiver 31 hasreceived pixel data and audio data for reproducing a program as atelevision-broadcasted content, when the received audio data is, forexample, 5.1 channel surround audio data and the digital televisionreceiver 31 therefore cannot decode the received audio data, the digitaltelevision receiver 31 transmits, by performing IP communication withthe amplifier 32, the received audio data to the amplifier 32 via theHDMI(R) cable 35.

The amplifier 32 receives and decodes the audio data transmitted fromthe digital television receiver 31 and amplifies the decoded audio dataas necessary. Then, the 5.1 channel surround audio is reproduced from aspeaker (not shown) connected to the amplifier 32.

The digital television receiver 31 decodes the received pixel data aswell as transmit the audio data to the amplifier 32 via the HDMI(R)cable 35, and reproduces a program by displaying a picture based on thepixel data obtained by the decode.

As described above, since electronic apparatuses such as the digitaltelevision receiver 31, the amplifier 32, and the reproducing apparatus33 connected by the HDMI(R) cable 35 and the HDMI(R) cable 36 canperform high-speed IP communication using HDMI(R) cables in the picturetransmission system shown in FIG. 2, a LAN cable corresponding to theLAN cable 17 of FIG. 1 is unnecessary.

Moreover, by connecting the digital television receiver 31 and thedigital television receiver 34 by the LAN cable 37, data received by thedigital television receiver 31 from the reproducing apparatus 33 via theHDMI(R) cable 36, the amplifier 32, and the HDMI(R) cable 35 can beadditionally transmitted to the digital television receiver 34 via theLAN cable 37. Therefore, a LAN cable and an electronic apparatuscorresponding to the LAN cable 18 and the hub 16 of FIG. 1 areunnecessary.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the conventional picture transmission system,different types of cables have been necessary depending on data to betransmitted and received and a communication system, and wirings ofcables connecting the electronic apparatuses have been complex. On theother hand, in the picture transmission system shown in FIG. 2, sincebidirectional communication such as IP communication can be performedbetween the electronic apparatuses connected by the HDMI(R) cables athigh speed, it is possible to simplify connections between theelectronic apparatuses. In other words, wirings of cables connecting theelectronic apparatuses that have been complex in the past can be madesimpler.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a structural example of an HDMI(R) source and anHDMI(R) sink incorporated in respective electronic apparatuses mutuallyconnected by an HDMI(R) cable, for example, an HDMI(R) source providedin the amplifier 32 of FIG. 2 and an HDMI(R) sink provided in thedigital television receiver 31.

An HDMI(R) source 71 and an HDMI(R) sink 72 are connected by a singleHDMI(R) cable 35, and the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 arecapable of performing high-speed bidirectional IP communication usingthe HDMI(R) cable 35 while maintaining compatibility with the existingHDMI(R).

The HDMI(R) source 71 unidirectionally transmits, to the HDMI(R) sink72, using a plurality of channels, a differential signal correspondingto pixel data of an uncompressed picture of 1 screen in an active videoarea as a section obtained by removing a horizontal flyback section(horizontal blanking area) and a vertical flyback section (verticalblanking area) from a section ranging from one vertical synchronizationsignal to the next vertical synchronization signal, and unidirectionallytransmits, to the HDMI(R) sink 72, using the plurality of channels,differential signals corresponding to at least audio data associatedwith the picture, control data, other auxiliary data, and the like inthe horizontal flyback section or the vertical flyback section.

Specifically, the HDMI(R) source 71 includes a transmitter 81. Thetransmitter 81 converts the pixel data of the uncompressed picture intocorresponding differential signals and serially transmits themunidirectionally to the HDMI(R) sink 72 connected thereto via theHDMI(R) cable 35 using three TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2 as theplurality of channels.

The TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2 provided in the transmitter 81 functionas a first channel unit. In addition, the TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2provided in a receiver 82 function as a third channel unit.

Further, the transmitter 81 converts the audio data associated with theuncompressed picture, necessary control data, other auxiliary data, andthe like into corresponding differential signals and serially transmitsthem unidirectionally to the HDMI(R) sink 72 connected thereto via theHDMI(R) cable 35 using the three TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2.

Furthermore, the transmitter 81 transmits pixel clocks synchronized withthe pixel data transmitted by the three TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2 tothe HDMI(R) sink 72 connected thereto via the HDMI(R) cable 35 using aTMDS clock channel. Here, in a single TMDS channel #i (i=0, 1, 2), 10bits of pixel data is transmitted during 1 clock of the pixel clocks.

The HDMI(R) sink 72 receives the differential signal corresponding tothe pixel data transmitted unidirectionally from the HDMI(R) source 71using the plurality of channels in the active area section, and receivesthe differential signals corresponding to the audio data and the controldata transmitted unidirectionally from the HDMI(R) source 71 using theplurality of channels in the horizontal flyback section or the verticalflyback section.

Specifically, the HDMI(R) sink 72 includes the receiver 82. The receiver82 receives, using the TMDS channels #0, #1, and #2, the differentialsignal corresponding to the pixel data and the differential signalscorresponding to the audio data and the control data, that aretransmitted unidirectionally from the HDMI(R) source 71 connectedthereto via the HDMI(R) cable 35, in sync with the pixel clockssimilarly transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 using the TMDS clockchannel.

As a transmission channel of an HDMI(R) system constituted of theHDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72, there are also transmissionchannels called DDC (Display Data Channel) 83 and CEC line 84 inaddition to the three TMDS channels #0 to #2 as transmission channelsfor serially transmitting, in one direction, the pixel data and audiodata in sync with the pixel clocks from the HDMI(R) source 71 to theHDMI(R) sink 72 and the TMDS clock channel as a transmission channel fortransmitting the pixel clocks.

The DDC 83 is constituted of two signal lines (not shown) included inthe HDMI(R) cable 35 and used for the HDMI(R) source 71 to read outE-EDID (Enhanced Extended Display Identification Data) from the HDMI(R)sink 72 connected thereto via the HDMI(R) cable 35.

Specifically, in addition to the receiver 82, the HDMI(R) sink 72includes an EDIDROM (EDID ROM (Read Only Memory)) 85 that stores theE-EDID as information on its own settings and performance. The HDMI(R)source 71 reads out, from the HDMI(R) sink 72 connected thereto via theHDMI(R) cable 35, E-EDID stored in the EDIDROM 85 of the HDMI(R) sink 72via the DDC 83, and recognizes, based on the E-EDID, the settings andperformance of the HDMI(R) sink 72, that is, a picture format (profile)that (the electronic apparatus including) the HDMI(R) sink 72 supportslike RGB (Red, Green, Blue), YCbCr4:4:4, and YCbCr4:2:2.

It should be noted that although not shown, similar to the HDMI(R) sink72, the HDMI(R) source 71 can store E-EDID and transmit the E-EDID tothe HDMI(R) sink 72 as necessary.

The CEC line 84 is constituted of a single signal line (not shown)included in the HDMI(R) cable 35 and used for performing bidirectionalcommunication of control data between the HDMI(R) source 71 and theHDMI(R) sink 72.

Further, the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 can performbidirectional IP communication by transmitting, for example, a frameconforming to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)802.3 to the HDMI(R) sink 72 and the HDMI(R) source 71 via the DDC 83 orthe CEC line 84.

Furthermore, the HDMI(R) cable 35 includes a signal line 86 connected toa pin called Hot Plug Detect, and the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R)sink 72 can use the signal line 86 to detect a connection of a newelectronic apparatus, that is, the HDMI(R) sink 72 or the HDMI(R) source71.

Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 each show a pin assignment of a connector (notshown) provided in the HDMI(R) source 71 or the HDMI(R) sink 72connected to the HDMI(R) cable 35.

It should be noted that in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pin number for specifying aconnector pin is described on a left-hand column (PIN column), and aname of a signal allocated to a pin specified by the pin numberdescribed on the left-hand column is described on a right-hand column onthe same row (Signal Assignment column).

FIG. 4 shows a pin assignment of a connector called Type-A of theHDMI(R).

Two signal lines as differential signal lines through which differentialsignals TMDS Data #I+ and TMDS Data #i− of a TMDS channel #i aretransmitted are respectively connected to a pin to which TMDS Data #i+is allocated (pins with pin numbers 1, 4, and 7) and a pin to which TMDSData #i− is allocated (pins with pin numbers 3, 6, and 9).

Further, the CEC line 84 through which a CEC signal as control data istransmitted is connected to a pin with a pin number 13, and a pin with apin number 14 is a reserved pin. If bidirectional IP communication canbe performed using this reserved pin, compatibility with the existingHDMI(R) can be maintained. In this regard, to enable differentialsignals to be transmitted using the CEC line 84 and a signal lineconnected to the pin with the pin number 14, the signal line connectedto the pin with the pin number 14 and the CEC line 84 are connected as adifferential twist pair and shielded, and grounded to a ground line ofthe CEC line 84 and the DDC 83 that is connected to a pin with a pinnumber 17.

In addition, a signal line through which an SDA (Serial Data) signalsuch as E-EDID is transmitted is connected to a pin with a pin number16. A signal line through which an SCL (Serial Clock) signal as a clocksignal used in a synchronization at a time of transmitting and receivingthe SDA signal is transmitted is connected to a pin with a pin number15. The DDC 83 of FIG. 3 is constituted of the signal line through whichthe SDA signal is transmitted and the signal line through which the SCLsignal is transmitted.

Further, like the CEC line 84 and the signal line connected to the pinwith the pin number 14, the signal line through which the SDA signal istransmitted and the signal line through which the SCL signal istransmitted are connected as a differential twist pair and shielded soas to enable the differential signals to be transmitted, and grounded tothe ground line connected to the pin with the pin number 17.

In addition, the signal line 86 through which a signal for detecting aconnection of a new electronic apparatus is transmitted is connected toa pin with a pin number 19.

FIG. 5 shows a pin assignment of a connector called Type-C or Type-miniof the HDMI(R).

Two signal lines as differential signal lines through which differentialsignals TMDS Data #i+ and TMDS Data #i− of a TMDS channel #i aretransmitted are respectively connected to a pin to which TMDS Data #i+is allocated (pins with pin numbers 2, 5, and 8) and a pin to which TMDSData #i− is allocated (pins with pin numbers 3, 6, and 9).

Further, the CEC line 84 through which a CEC signal is transmitted isconnected to the pin with the pin number 14, and the pin with the pinnumber 17 is a reserved pin. As in the case of Type-A, the signal lineconnected to the pin with the pin number 17 and the CEC line 84 areconnected as a differential twist pair and shielded, and grounded to aground line of the CEC line 84 and the DDC 83 that is connected to thepin with the pin number 13.

In addition, the signal line through which an SDA signal is transmittedis connected to the pin with the pin number 16, and the signal linethrough which an SCL signal is transmitted is connected to the pin withthe pin number 15. As in the case of Type-A, the signal line throughwhich an SDA signal is transmitted and the signal line through which anSCL signal is transmitted are connected as a differential twist pair andshielded so as to enable the differential signals to be transmitted, andgrounded to the ground line connected to the pin with the pin number 13.Also, the signal line 86 through which a signal for detecting aconnection of a new electronic apparatus is transmitted is connected tothe pin with the pin number 19.

Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of the HDMI(R) source 71and the HDMI(R) sink 72 that perform IP communication by a half-duplexcommunication system using the CEC line 84 and the signal line connectedto the reserved pin of the connector of the HDMI(R). It should be notedthat FIG. 6 shows a structural example of parts related to thehalf-duplex communication in the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink72. Moreover, in FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those of FIG. 3 aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will beomitted as appropriate.

The HDMI(R) source 71 is constituted of the transmitter 81, a switchingcontrol unit 121, and a timing control unit 122. Further, thetransmitter 81 is provided with a conversion unit 131, a decode unit132, and a switch 133.

Supplied to the conversion unit 131 is Tx data as data transmitted fromthe HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R) sink 72 through bidirectional IPcommunication held between the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink72. The Tx data is, for example, compressed pixel data and audio data.

The conversion unit 131 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and converts the supplied Tx data into a differential signalconstituted of two partial signals. Moreover, the conversion unit 131transmits to the receiver 82 the differential signal obtained by theconversion via the CEC line 84 and a signal line 141 connected to areserved pin of a connector (not shown) provided in the transmitter 81.In other words, the conversion unit 131 supplies one of the partialsignals constituting the differential signal obtained by the conversionto the switch 133 via the CEC line 84, more specifically, a signal linethat is provided in the transmitter 81 and connected to the CEC line 84of the HDMI(R) cable 35, and supplies the other one of the partialsignals constituting the differential signal to the receiver 82 via thesignal line 141, more specifically, a signal line that is provided inthe transmitter 81 and connected to the signal line 141 of the HDMI(R)cable 35, and the signal line 141.

The decode unit 132 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and input terminals thereof are connected to the CEC line 84and the signal line 141. Under control of the timing control unit 122,the decode unit 132 receives the differential signal transmitted fromthe receiver 82 via the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141, that is,the differential signal constituted of the partial signal on the CECline 84 and the partial signal on the signal line 141, decodes it intoRx data as the original data, and outputs it. Here, the Rx data is datatransmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72 to the HDMI(R) source 71 throughbidirectional IP communication held between the HDMI(R) source 71 andthe HDMI(R) sink 72, such as a command that requests a transmission ofpixel data and audio data.

A CEC signal from the HDMI(R) source 71 or the partial signalconstituting the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data fromthe conversion unit 131 is supplied to the switch 133 at a timing oftransmitting data, and a CEC signal from the receiver 82 or the partialsignal constituting the differential signal corresponding to the Rx datafrom the receiver 82 is supplied at a timing of receiving data. Undercontrol of the switching control unit 121, the switch 133 selects andoutputs the CEC signal from the HDMI(R) source 71 or the CEC signal fromthe receiver 82, or the partial signal constituting the differentialsignal corresponding to the Tx data or the partial signal constitutingthe differential signal corresponding to the Rx data.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 transmitsdata to the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 133 selects either the CECsignal supplied from the HDMI(R) source 71 or the partial signalsupplied from the conversion unit 131 and transmits the selected CECsignal or partial signal to the receiver 82 via the CEC line 84.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 receives the datatransmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 133 receives the CECsignal transmitted from the receiver 82 via the CEC line 84 or thepartial signal of the differential signal corresponding to the Rx data,and supplies the received CEC signal or partial signal to the HDMI(R)source 71 or the decode unit 132.

The switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 and switches theswitch 133 so that either one of the signals supplied to the switch 133is selected. The timing control unit 122 controls a timing at which thedecode unit 132 receives the differential signal.

The HDMI(R) sink 72 is constituted of the receiver 82, a timing controlunit 123, and a switching control unit 124. In addition, the receiver 82is provided with a conversion unit 134, a switch 135, and a decode unit136.

The conversion unit 134 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and is supplied with Rx data. Under control of the timingcontrol unit 123, the conversion unit 134 converts the supplied Rx datainto a differential signal constituted of two partial signals, andtransmits to the transmitter 81 the differential signal obtained by theconversion via the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141. In other words,the conversion unit 134 supplies one of the partial signals constitutingthe differential signal obtained by the conversion to the switch 135 viathe CEC line 84, more specifically, a signal line that is provided inthe receiver 82 and connected to the CEC line 84 of the HDMI(R) cable35, and supplies the other one of the partial signals constituting thedifferential signal to the transmitter 81 via the signal line 141, morespecifically, a signal line that is provided in the receiver 82 andconnected to the signal line 141 of the HDMI(R) cable 35, and the signalline 141.

The CEC signal from the transmitter 81 or the partial signalconstituting the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data fromthe transmitter 81 is supplied to the switch 135 at a timing ofreceiving data, and the partial signal constituting the differentialsignal corresponding to the Rx data from the conversion unit 134 or theCEC signal from the HDMI(R) sink 72 is supplied at a timing oftransmitting data. Under control of the switching control unit 124, theswitch 135 selects and outputs the CEC signal from the transmitter 81 orthe CEC signal from the HDMI(R) sink 72, or the partial signalconstituting the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data or thepartial signal constituting the differential signal corresponding to theRx data.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmitsdata to the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 135 selects either the CECsignal supplied from the HDMI(R) sink 72 or the partial signal suppliedfrom the conversion unit 134 and transmits the selected CEC signal orpartial signal to the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 receives the datatransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 135 receives the CECsignal transmitted from the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84 or thepartial signal of the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data,and supplies the received CEC signal or partial signal to the HDMI(R)sink 72 or the decode unit 136.

The decode unit 136 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and input terminals thereof are connected to the CEC line 84and the signal line 141. The decode unit 136 receives the differentialsignal transmitted from the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84 and thesignal line 141, that is, the differential signal constituted of thepartial signal on the CEC line 84 and the partial signal on the signalline 141, decodes it into Tx data as the original data, and outputs it.

The switching control unit 124 controls the switch 135 and switches theswitch 135 so that either one of the signals supplied to the switch 135is selected. The timing control unit 123 controls a timing at which theconversion unit 134 transmits the differential signal.

Further, in a case where the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72perform IP communication by a full-duplex communication system using theCEC line 84, the signal line 141 connected to the reserved pin, thesignal line through which the SDA signal is transmitted, and the signalline through which the SCL signal is transmitted, the HDMI(R) source 71and the HDMI(R) sink 72 are structured as shown in FIG. 7, for example.It should be noted that in FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those of FIG.6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereofwill be omitted as appropriate.

The HDMI(R) source 71 is constituted of the transmitter 81, theswitching control unit 121, and a switching control unit 124. Also, thetransmitter 81 is provided with the conversion unit 131, the switch 133,a switch 181, a switch 182, and a decode unit 183.

An SDA signal from the HDMI(R) source 71 is supplied to the switch 181at a timing of transmitting data, and an SDA signal from the receiver 82or the partial signal constituting the differential signal correspondingto the Rx data from the receiver 82 is supplied at a timing of receivingdata. Under control of the switching control unit 971, the switch 181selects and outputs the SDA signal from the HDMI(R) source 71, the SDAsignal from the receiver 82, or the partial signal constituting thedifferential signal corresponding to the Rx data.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 receivesdata transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 181 receiveseither the SDA signal transmitted from the receiver 82 via an SDA line191 as the signal line through which an SDA signal is transmitted or thepartial signal of the differential signal corresponding to the Rx data,and supplies the received SDA signal or partial signal to the HDMI(R)source 71 or the decode unit 183.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits thedata to the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 181 transmits the SDA signalsupplied from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the receiver 82 via the SDA line191, or does not transmit anything to the receiver 82.

The SCL signal from the HDMI(R) source 71 is supplied to the switch 182at a timing of transmitting data, and the partial signal constitutingthe differential signal corresponding to the Rx data from the receiver82 is supplied at a timing of receiving data. Under control of theswitching control unit 971, the switch 182 selects and outputs eitherthe SCL signal or the partial signal constituting the differentialsignal corresponding to the Rx data.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 receivesthe data transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 182 receivesthe partial signal of the differential signal corresponding to the Rxdata, that has been transmitted from the receiver 82 via an SCL line 192as the signal line through which an SCL signal is transmitted, andsupplies the received partial signal to the decode unit 183, or does notreceive anything.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits thedata to the HDMI(R) sink 72, the switch 182 transmits the SCL signalsupplied from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the receiver 82 via the SCL line192 or does not transmit anything.

The decode unit 183 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and input terminals thereof are connected to the SDA line 191and the SCL line 192. The decode unit 183 receives the differentialsignal transmitted from the receiver 82 via the SDA line 191 and the SCLline 192, that is, the differential signal constituted of the partialsignal on the SDA line 191 and the partial signal on the SCL line 192,decodes it into Rx data as the original data, and outputs it.

The switching control unit 971 controls the switch 181 and the switch182 and switches the switch 181 and the switch 182 so that either one ofthe supplied signals is selected for each of the switch 181 and theswitch 182.

The HDMI(R) sink 72 is constituted of the receiver 82, the switchingcontrol unit 124, and a switching control unit 972. In addition, thereceiver 82 is provided with the switch 135, the decode unit 136, aconversion unit 184, a switch 185, and a switch 186.

The conversion unit 184 is constituted of, for example, a differentialamplifier, and is supplied with Rx data. The conversion unit 184converts the supplied Rx data into a differential signal constituted oftwo partial signals, and transmits to the transmitter 81 thedifferential signal obtained by the conversion via the SDA line 191 andthe SCL line 192. In other words, the conversion unit 184 transmits oneof the partial signals constituting the differential signal obtained bythe conversion to the transmitter 81 via the switch 185, and transmitsthe other one of the partial signals constituting the differentialsignal to the transmitter 81 via the switch 186.

The partial signal constituting the differential signal corresponding tothe Rx data from the conversion unit 184 or the SDA signal from theHDMI(R) sink 72 is supplied to the switch 185 at a timing oftransmitting data, and the SDA signal from the transmitter 81 issupplied at a timing of receiving data. Under control of the switchingcontrol unit 972, the switch 185 selects and outputs the SDA signal fromthe HDMI(R) sink 72, the SDA signal from the transmitter 81, or thepartial signal constituting the differential signal corresponding to theRx data.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 receives datatransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 185 receives the SDAsignal transmitted from the transmitter 81 via the SDA line 191 andsupplies the received SDA signal to the HDMI(R) sink 72, or does notreceive anything.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmits the datato the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 185 transmits the SDA signalsupplied from the HDMI(R) sink 72 or the partial signal supplied fromthe conversion unit 184 to the transmitter 81 via the SDA line 191.

The partial signal constituting the differential signal corresponding tothe Rx data from the conversion unit 184 is supplied to the switch 186at a timing of transmitting data, and the SCL signal from thetransmitter 81 is supplied at a timing of receiving data. Under controlof the switching control unit 972, the switch 186 selects and outputseither the partial signal constituting the differential signalcorresponding to the Rx data or the SCL signal.

In other words, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 receives datatransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 186 receives the SCLsignal transmitted from the transmitter 81 via the SCL line 192 andsupplies the received SCL signal to the HDMI(R) sink 72, or does notreceive anything.

Moreover, at the timing at which the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmits the datato the HDMI(R) source 71, the switch 186 transmits the partial signalsupplied from the conversion unit 184 to the transmitter 81 via the SCLline 192, or does not transmit anything.

The switching control unit 972 controls the switch 185 and the switch186 and switches the switch 185 and the switch 186 so that either one ofthe supplied signals is selected for each of the switch 185 and theswitch 186.

Incidentally, which of the half-duplex communication and the full-duplexcommunication is possible for the IP communication performed between theHDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 depends on the structures ofthe HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72. In this regard, theHDMI(R) source 71 references E-EDID received from the HDMI(R) sink 72 tojudge which of the half-duplex communication and the full-duplexcommunication is to be performed, or whether to perform bidirectionalcommunication by an exchange of CEC signals.

The E-EDID received by the HDMI(R) source 71 is constituted of a basicblock and an expansion block as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

At a head of the basic block of the E-EDID, data expressed as “E-EDID1.3Basic Structure” defined by an E-EDID 1.3 standard is arranged, followedby timing information expressed as “Preferred timing” for maintainingcompatibility with conventional EDID and timing information expressed as“2nd timing” different from “Preferred timing” for maintainingcompatibility with the conventional EDID.

Moreover, in the basic block, subsequent to “2nd timing”, informationexpressed as “Monitor NAME” that indicates a name of a display apparatusand information expressed as “Monitor Range Limits” that indicates thenumber of pixels that can be displayed when aspect ratios are 4:3 and16:9 are arranged sequentially.

On the other hand, subsequent to information expressed as “SpeakerAllocation” regarding speakers on both sides, that is arranged at a headof the expansion block, there are sequentially arranged data expressedas “VIDEO SHORT” that describes information indicating a displayablepicture size, a frame rate, and one of interlace and progressive andinformation on an aspect ratio and the like, data expressed as “AUDIOSHORT” that describes information on a reproducible audio codec system,sampling frequency, cutoff band, codec bit count, and the like, andinformation expressed as “Speaker Allocation” regarding the speakers onboth sides.

In addition, in the expansion block, subsequent to “Speaker Allocation”,data expressed as “Vender Specific” uniquely defined for eachmanufacturer, timing information expressed as “3rd timing” formaintaining compatibility with the conventional EDID, and timinginformation expressed as “4th timing” for maintaining compatibility withthe conventional EDID are arranged.

Furthermore, the data expressed as “Vender Specific” has a datastructure shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the data expressed as “VenderSpecific” is provided with 0-th to N-th blocks each of a 1-byte block.

In the 0-th block arranged at a head of the data expressed as “VenderSpecific”, a header expressed as “Vendor-Specific tag code (=3)” thatindicates a data area of the data “Vender Specific” and informationexpressed as “Length (=N)” that indicates a length of the data “VenderSpecific” are arranged.

Moreover, in the first to third blocks, information expressed as “24 bitIEEE Registration Identifier (0x000C03) LSB first” that indicates anumber “0x000C03” registered for the HDMI(R) is arranged. In addition,in the fourth block and the fifth block, 24-bit information expressed as“A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” that indicate physical addresses of sinkapparatuses are arranged.

In the sixth block, a flag expressed as “Supports-AI” that indicates afunction supported by the sink apparatus, information respectivelyexpressed as “DC-48 bit”, “DC-36 bit”, and “DC-30 bit” that designatebit counts per pixel, a flag expressed as “DC-Y444” that indicateswhether the sink apparatus supports a transmission of a YCbCr4:4:4picture, and a flag expressed as “DVI-Dual” that indicates whether thesink apparatus supports dual DVI (Digital Visual Interface) arearranged.

Further, in the seventh block, information expressed as “Max-TMDS-Clock”that indicates a maximum frequency of a TMDS pixel clock is arranged.Furthermore, in the eighth block, a flag expressed as “Latency” thatindicates presence/absence of delay information of a video and audio, afull-duplex flag expressed as “Full Duplex” that indicates whetherfull-duplex communication is possible, and a flag expressed as “HalfDuplex” that indicates whether half-duplex communication is possible arearranged.

Here, the set full-duplex flag (e.g., set to “1”) indicates that theHDMI(R) sink 72 has a function of performing full-duplex communication,that is, has the structure shown in FIG. 7, and the reset full-duplexflag (e.g., set to “0”) indicates that the HDMI(R) sink 72 does not havethe function of performing full-duplex communication.

Similarly, the set half-duplex flag (e.g., set to “1”) indicates thatthe HDMI(R) sink 72 has a function of performing half-duplexcommunication, that is, has the structure shown in FIG. 6, and the resethalf-duplex flag (e.g., set to “0”) indicates that the HDMI(R) sink 72does not have the function of performing half-duplex communication.

Further, in the ninth block of the data expressed as “Vender Specific”,delay time data of a progressive video, that is expressed as “VideoLatency”, is arranged. In the tenth block, delay time data of an audioassociated with the progressive video, that is expressed as “AudioLatency”, is arranged. Furthermore, in the eleventh block, delay timedata of an interlace video, that is expressed as “Interlaced VideoLatency”, is arranged. In the twelfth block, delay time data of an audioassociated with the interlace video, that is expressed as “InterlacedAudio Latency”, is arranged.

Based on the full-duplex flag and the half-duplex flag contained in theE-EDID received from the HDMI(R) sink 72, the HDMI(R) source 71 judgeswhich of the half-duplex communication and the full-duplex communicationis to be performed or whether to perform bidirectional communication byan exchange of CEC signals, and performs bidirectional communicationwith the HDMI(R) sink 72 based on a result of the judgment.

For example, when the HDMI(R) source 71 has the structure shown in FIG.6, although the HDMI(R) source 71 can perform half-duplex communicationwith the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 6, it cannot perform half-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 7.

In this regard, upon power-on of the electronic apparatus in which theHDMI(R) source 71 is provided, the HDMI(R) source 71 startscommunication processing and performs bidirectional communicationcorresponding to the function of the HDMI(R) sink 72 connected to theHDMI(R) source 71.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, communicationprocessing carried out by the HDMI(R) source 71 shown in FIG. 6 will bedescribed.

In Step S11, the HDMI(R) source 71 judges whether a new electronicapparatus has been connected to the HDMI(R) source 71. For example, theHDMI(R) source 71 judges whether a new electronic apparatus in which theHDMI(R) sink 72 is provided has been connected based on a magnitude of avoltage applied to a pin called Hot Plug Detect to which the signal line86 is connected.

When judged in Step S11 that a new electronic apparatus is notconnected, communication is not performed, and the communicationprocessing therefore ends.

On the other hand, when judged in Step S11 that a new electronicapparatus has been connected, in Step S12, the switching control unit121 controls the switch 133 and switches the switch 133 so that a CECsignal from the HDMI(R) source 71 is selected at a time of transmittingdata and a CEC signal from the receiver 82 is selected at a time ofreceiving data.

In Step S13, the HDMI(R) source 71 receives E-EDID transmitted from theHDMI(R) sink 72 via the DDC 83. In other words, the HDMI(R) sink 72reads out the E-EDID from the EDIDROM 85 upon detecting a connection ofthe HDMI(R) source 71 and transmits the read-out E-EDID to the HDMI(R)source 71 via the DDC 83. Thus, the HDMI(R) source 71 receives theE-EDID transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72.

In Step S14, the HDMI(R) source 71 judges whether half-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 is possible. In other words, theHDMI(R) source 71 references the E-EDID received from the HDMI(R) sink72 to judge whether the half-duplex flag “Half Duplex” of FIG. 9 is set,and when the half-duplex flag is set, for example, judges thatbidirectional IP communication using a half-duplex communication system,that is, half-duplex communication is possible.

When judged in Step S14 that the half-duplex communication is possible,in Step S15, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits, as channel informationindicating a channel used for the bidirectional communication, a signalnotifying that IP communication by a half-duplex communication systemthat uses the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141 is to be performed tothe receiver 82 via the switch 133 and the CEC line 84.

In other words, when the half-duplex flag is set, the HDMI(R) source 71can grasp that the HDMI(R) sink 72 has the structure shown in FIG. 6 andhalf-duplex communication that uses the CEC line 84 and the signal line141 is possible. Therefore, the channel information is transmitted tothe HDMI(R) sink 72 to notify that half-duplex communication is to beperformed.

In Step S16, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 andswitches the switch 133 so that a differential signal corresponding toTx data from the conversion unit 131 is selected at a time oftransmitting data and a differential signal corresponding to Rx datafrom the receiver 82 is selected at a time of receiving data.

In Step S17, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 using ahalf-duplex communication system, and the communication processing isthus ended. Specifically, at the time of transmitting data, theconversion unit 131 converts the Tx data supplied from the HDMI(R)source 71 into a differential signal, supplies one of partial signalsconstituting the differential signal obtained by the conversion to theswitch 133, and transmits the other one of the partial signals to thereceiver 82 via the signal line 141. The switch 133 transmits thepartial signal supplied from the conversion unit 131 to the receiver 82via the CEC line 84. As a result, the differential signal correspondingto the Tx data is transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R)sink 72.

Further, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit 132 receives thedifferential signal corresponding to the Rx data transmitted from thereceiver 82. Specifically, the switch 133 receives the partial signal ofthe differential signal corresponding to the Rx data, that has beentransmitted from the receiver 82 via the CEC line 84, and supplies thereceived partial signal to the decode unit 132. The decode unit 132decodes the differential signal constituted of the partial signalsupplied from the switch 133 and the partial signal supplied from thereceiver 82 via the signal line 141 into Rx data as the original dataunder control of the timing control unit 122, and outputs it to theHDMI(R) source 71.

Accordingly, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits and receives various typesof data such as control data, pixel data, and audio data to/from theHDMI(R) sink 72.

Further, when judged in Step S14 that half-duplex communication is notpossible, in Step S18, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71transmit and receive CEC signals to perform bidirectional communicationwith the HDMI(R) sink 72, and the communication processing is thusended.

Specifically, by transmitting a CEC signal to the receiver 82 via theswitch 133 and the CEC line 84 at the time of transmitting data andreceiving a CEC signal transmitted from the receiver 82 via the switch133 and the CEC line 84 at the time of receiving data, the HDMI(R)source 71 transmits and receives control data to/from the HDMI(R) sink72.

Thus, the HDMI(R) source 71 references the half-duplex flag and performshalf-duplex communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 that can perform thehalf-duplex communication using the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141.

By thus switching the switch 133 to select the data to be transmittedand the data to be received and performing half-duplex communication,that is, IP communication that uses a half-duplex communication systemwith the HDMI(R) sink 72 using the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141,high-speed bidirectional communication can be performed whilemaintaining compatibility with the conventional HDMI(R).

Moreover, similar to the HDMI(R) source 71, the HDMI(R) sink 72 startscommunication processing upon power-on of the electronic apparatus inwhich the HDMI(R) sink 72 is provided, and performs bidirectionalcommunication with the HDMI(R) source 71.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 11, communicationprocessing carried out by the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 6 will bedescribed.

In Step S41, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether a new electronicapparatus has been connected to the HDMI(R) sink 72. For example, theHDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether a new electronic apparatus in which theHDMI(R) source 71 is provided has been connected based on a magnitude ofa voltage applied to a pin called Hot Plug Detect to which the signalline 86 is connected.

When judged in Step S41 that a new electronic apparatus is notconnected, communication is not performed, and the communicationprocessing therefore ends.

On the other hand, when judged in Step S41 that a new electronicapparatus has been connected, in Step S42, the switching control unit124 controls the switch 135 and switches the switch 135 so that a CECsignal from the HDMI(R) sink 72 is selected at a time of transmittingdata and a CEC signal from the transmitter 81 is selected at a time ofreceiving data.

In Step S43, the HDMI(R) sink 72 reads out E-EDID from the EDIDROM 85and transmits the read-out E-EDID to the HDMI(R) source 71 via the DDC83.

In Step S44, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether channel informationtransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 has been received.

Specifically, channel information indicating a channel for bidirectionalcommunication is transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 according to thefunctions of the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72. When theHDMI(R) source 71 has the structure shown in FIG. 6, for example, sincethe HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 can perform half-duplexcommunication using the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141, channelinformation notifying that IP communication that uses the CEC line 84and the signal line 141 is to be performed is transmitted from theHDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R) sink 72. The HDMI(R) sink 72 receivesthe channel information transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 via theswitch 135 and the CEC line 84 and judges that the channel informationhas been received.

On the other hand, when the HDMI(R) source 71 does not have the functionof performing half-duplex communication, channel information is nottransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R) sink 72. Thus, theHDMI(R) sink 72 judges that channel information is not received.

When judged in Step S44 that channel information has been received, theprocess advances to Step S45 in which the switching control unit 124controls the switch 135 and switches the switch 135 so that adifferential signal corresponding to Rx data from the conversion unit134 is selected at a time of transmitting data and a differential signalcorresponding to Tx data from the transmitter 81 is selected at a timeof receiving data.

In Step S46, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) source 71 using ahalf-duplex communication system, and the communication processing isthus ended. Specifically, at the time of transmitting data, theconversion unit 134 converts the Rx data supplied from the HDMI(R) sink72 into a differential signal under control of the timing control unit123, supplies one of partial signals constituting the differentialsignal obtained by the conversion to the switch 135, and transmits theother one of the partial signals to the transmitter 81 via the signalline 141. The switch 135 transmits the partial signal supplied from theconversion unit 134 to the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84. As aresult, the differential signal corresponding to the Rx data istransmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72 to the HDMI(R) source 71.

Further, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit 136 receives thedifferential signal corresponding to the Tx data transmitted from thetransmitter 81. Specifically, the switch 135 receives the partial signalof the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data, that has beentransmitted from the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84, and suppliesthe received partial signal to the decode unit 136. The decode unit 136decodes the differential signal constituted of the partial signalsupplied from the switch 135 and the partial signal supplied from thetransmitter 81 via the signal line 141 into Tx data as the originaldata, and outputs it to the HDMI(R) sink 72.

Accordingly, the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmits and receives various types ofdata such as control data, pixel data, and audio data to/from theHDMI(R) source 71.

Further, when judged in Step S44 that the channel information is notreceived, in Step S47, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72transmit and receive CEC signals to perform bidirectional communicationwith the HDMI(R) source 71, and the communication processing is thusended.

Specifically, by transmitting a CEC signal to the transmitter 81 via theswitch 135 and the CEC line 84 at the time of transmitting data andreceiving a CEC signal transmitted from the transmitter 81 via theswitch 135 and the CEC line 84 at the time of receiving data, theHDMI(R) sink 72 transmits and receives control data to/from the HDMI(R)source 71.

Thus, upon receiving the channel information, the HDMI(R) sink 72 usesthe CEC line 84 and the signal line 141 to perform half-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72.

By thus switching the switch 135 to select the data to be transmittedand the data to be received and performing half-duplex communicationwith the HDMI(R) source 71 using the CEC line 84 and the signal line141, the HDMI(R) sink 72 can perform high-speed bidirectionalcommunication while maintaining compatibility with the conventionalHDMI(R).

Moreover, when the HDMI(R) source 71 has the structure shown in FIG. 7,the HDMI(R) source 71 judges in the communication processing whether theHDMI(R) sink 72 has a function of performing full-duplex communicationbased on the full-duplex flag contained in the E-EDID, and performsbidirectional communication corresponding to a result of the judgment.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, communicationprocessing carried out by the HDMI(R) source 71 shown in FIG. 7 will bedescribed.

In Step S71, the HDMI(R) source 71 judges whether a new electronicapparatus has been connected to the HDMI(R) source 71. When judged inStep S71 that a new electronic apparatus is not connected, communicationis not performed, and the communication processing therefore ends.

On the other hand, when judged in Step S71 that a new electronicapparatus has been connected, in Step S72, the switching control unit971 controls the switch 181 and the switch 182 and switches the switch181 and the switch 182 to make the switch 181 select the SDA signal fromthe HDMI(R) source 71 and make the switch 182 select the SCL signal fromthe HDMI(R) source 71 at the time of transmitting data, and make theswitch 181 select the SDA signal from the receiver 82 at the time ofreceiving data.

In Step S73, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 andswitches the switch 133 so that the CEC signal from the HDMI(R) source71 is selected at the time of transmitting data and the CEC signal fromthe receiver 82 is selected at the time of receiving data.

In Step S74, the HDMI(R) source 71 receives E-EDID transmitted from theHDMI(R) sink 72 via the SDA line 191 of the DDC 83. Specifically, theHDMI(R) sink 72 reads out E-EDID from the EDIDROM 85 upon detecting aconnection of the HDMI(R) source 71, and transmits the read-out E-EDIDto the HDMI(R) source 71 via the SDA line 191 of the DDC 83. Thus, theHDMI(R) source 71 receives the E-EDID transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink72.

In Step S75, the HDMI(R) source 71 judges whether full-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 is possible. Specifically, theHDMI(R) source 71 refers to the E-EDID received from the HDMI(R) sink 72to judge whether the full-duplex flag “Full Duplex” shown in FIG. 9 isset, and when the full-duplex flag is set, judges that bidirectional IPcommunication using a full-duplex communication system, that is,full-duplex communication is possible.

When judged in Step S75 that full-duplex communication is possible, inStep S76, the switching control unit 971 controls the switch 181 and theswitch 182 and switches the switch 181 and the switch 182 so that thedifferential signal corresponding to the Rx data from the receiver 82 isselected at the time of receiving data.

In other words, the switching control unit 971 switches the switch 181and the switch 182 so that, out of partial signals constituting thedifferential signal corresponding to the Rx data transmitted from thereceiver 82, the partial signal transmitted via the SDA line 191 isselected by the switch 181 and the partial signal transmitted via theSCL line 192 is selected by the switch 182 at the time of receivingdata.

Because the SDA line 191 and the SCL line 192 constituting the DDC 83are not used after the E-EDID is transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink 72 tothe HDMI(R) source 71, that is, the SDA signal and the SCL signal arenot transmitted and received via the SDA line 191 and the SCL line 192,the switch 181 and the switch 182 are switched so as to use the SDA line191 and the SCL line 192 as transmission channels of Rx data in thefull-duplex communication.

In Step S77, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits, as channel informationindicating a channel for the bidirectional communication, a signalnotifying that IP communication by a full-duplex communication systemthat uses the CEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 andSCL line 192 is to be performed to the receiver 82 via the switch 133and the CEC line 84.

In other words, when the full-duplex flag is set, the HDMI(R) source 71can grasp that the HDMI(R) sink 72 has the structure shown in FIG. 7 andfull-duplex communication that uses the CEC line 84 and signal line 141and the SDA line 191 and SCL line 192 is possible. Therefore, thechannel information is transmitted to the HDMI(R) sink 72 to notify thatfull-duplex communication is to be performed.

In Step S78, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 andswitches the switch 133 so that a differential signal corresponding toTx data from the conversion unit 131 is selected at a time oftransmitting data. In other words, the switching control unit 121switches the switch 133 so that a partial signal of the differentialsignal corresponding to the Tx data, that has been supplied from theconversion unit 131 to the switch 133, is selected.

In Step S79, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 using afull-duplex communication system, and the communication processing isthus ended. Specifically, at the time of transmitting data, theconversion unit 131 converts the Tx data supplied from the HDMI(R)source 71 into a differential signal, supplies one of partial signalsconstituting the differential signal obtained by the conversion to theswitch 133, and transmits the other one of the partial signals to thereceiver 82 via the signal line 141. The switch 133 transmits thepartial signal supplied from the conversion unit 131 to the receiver 82via the CEC line 84. As a result, the differential signal correspondingto the Tx data is transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R)sink 72.

Further, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit 183 receives thedifferential signal corresponding to the Rx data, that has beentransmitted from the receiver 82. Specifically, the switch 181 receivesthe partial signal of the differential signal corresponding to the Rxdata, that has been transmitted from the receiver 82 via the SDA line191, and supplies the received partial signal to the decode unit 183.Moreover, the switch 182 receives the other one of the partial signalsof the differential signal corresponding to the Rx data, that has beentransmitted from the receiver 82 via the SCL line 192, and supplies thereceived partial signal to the decode unit 183. The decode unit 183decodes the differential signal constituted of the partial signalssupplied from the switch 181 and the switch 182 into Rx data as theoriginal data, and outputs it to the HDMI(R) source 71.

Accordingly, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits and receives various typesof data such as control data, pixel data, and audio data to/from theHDMI(R) sink 72.

Further, when judged in Step S75 that full-duplex communication is notpossible, in Step S80, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71transmit and receive CEC signals to perform bidirectional communicationwith the HDMI(R) sink 72, and the communication processing is thusended.

Specifically, by transmitting a CEC signal to the receiver 82 via theswitch 133 and the CEC line 84 at the time of transmitting data andreceiving a CEC signal transmitted from the receiver 82 via the switch133 and the CEC line 84 at the time of receiving data, the HDMI(R)source 71 transmits and receives control data to/from the HDMI(R) sink72.

Thus, the HDMI(R) source 71 references the full-duplex flag and performsfull-duplex communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 that can perform thefull-duplex communication using the CEC line 84 and signal line 141 andthe SDA line 191 and SCL line 192.

By thus switching the switch 133, the switch 181, and the switch 182 toselect the data to be transmitted and the data to be received andperforming full-duplex communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 using theCEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCL line 192,high-speed bidirectional communication can be performed whilemaintaining compatibility with the conventional HDMI(R).

Moreover, also when the HDMI(R) sink 72 has the structure shown in FIG.7, the HDMI(R) sink 72 carries out communication processing as in thecase of the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 6, and performs bidirectionalcommunication with the HDMI(R) source 71.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 13, communicationprocessing carried out by the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 7 will bedescribed.

In Step S111, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether a new electronicapparatus has been connected to the HDMI(R) sink 72. When judged in StepS111 that a new electronic apparatus is not connected, communication isnot performed, and the communication processing therefore ends.

On the other hand, when judged in Step S111 that a new electronicapparatus has been connected, in Step S112, the switching control unit972 controls the switch 185 and the switch 186 and switches the switch185 and the switch 186 so that an SDA signal from the HDMI(R) sink 72 isselected by the switch 185 at a time of transmitting data and an SDAsignal from the transmitter 81 is selected by the switch 185 and an SCLsignal from the transmitter 81 is selected by the switch 186 at a timeof receiving data.

In Step S113, the switching control unit 124 controls the switch 135 andswitches the switch 135 so that a CEC signal from the HDMI(R) sink 72 isselected at the time of transmitting data and a CEC signal from thetransmitter 81 is selected at the time of receiving data.

In Step S114, the HDMI(R) sink 72 reads out E-EDID from the EDIDROM 85and transmits the read-out E-EDID to the HDMI(R) source 71 via theswitch 185 and the SDA line 191 of the DDC 83.

In Step S115, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether channel informationtransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 has been received.

Specifically, channel information indicating a channel used forbidirectional communication is transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71according to the functions of the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink72. When the HDMI(R) source 71 has the structure shown in FIG. 7, forexample, since the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 can performfull-duplex communication, channel information notifying that IPcommunication by a full-duplex communication system that uses the CECline 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCL line 192 is tobe performed is transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R)sink 72. Thus, The HDMI(R) sink 72 receives the channel informationtransmitted from the HDMI (R) source 71 via the switch 135 and the CECline 84 and judges that the channel information has been received.

On the other hand, when the HDMI(R) source 71 does not have the functionof performing full-duplex communication, channel information is nottransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R) sink 72. Thus, theHDMI(R) sink 72 judges that channel information is not received.

When judged in Step S115 that the channel information has been received,the process advances to Step S116 in which the switching control unit972 controls the switch 185 and the switch 186 and switches the switch185 and the switch 186 so that a differential signal corresponding to Rxdata from the conversion unit 184 is selected at the time oftransmitting data.

In Step S117, the switching control unit 124 controls the switch 135 andswitches the switch 135 so that a differential signal corresponding toTx data from the transmitter 81 is selected at the time of receivingdata.

In Step S118, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) source 71 using afull-duplex communication system, and the communication processing isthus ended. Specifically, at the time of transmitting data, theconversion unit 184 converts the Rx data supplied from the HDMI(R) sink72 into a differential signal, supplies one of partial signalsconstituting the differential signal obtained by the conversion to theswitch 185, and supplies the other one of the partial signals to theswitch 186. The switch 185 and the switch 186 transmit the partialsignals supplied from the conversion unit 184 to the transmitter 81 viathe SDA line 191 and the SCL line 192. As a result, the differentialsignal corresponding to the Rx data is transmitted from the HDMI(R) sink72 to the HDMI(R) source 71.

Further, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit 136 receives thedifferential signal corresponding to the Tx data transmitted from thetransmitter 81. Specifically, the switch 135 receives a partial signalof the differential signal corresponding to the Tx data, that has beentransmitted from the transmitter 81 via the CEC line 84, and suppliesthe received partial signal to the decode unit 136. The decode unit 136decodes the differential signal constituted of the partial signalsupplied from the switch 135 and the partial signal supplied from thetransmitter 81 via the signal line 141 into Tx data as the originaldata, and outputs it to the HDMI(R) sink 72.

Accordingly, the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmits and receives various types ofdata such as control data, pixel data, and audio data to/from theHDMI(R) source 71.

Further, when judged in Step S115 that the channel information is notreceived, in Step S119, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72transmit and receive CEC signals to perform bidirectional communicationwith the HDMI(R) source 71, and the communication processing is thusended.

As described above, upon receiving the channel information, the HDMI(R)sink 72 performs full-duplex communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72using the CEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCLline 192.

By thus switching the switch 135, the switch 185, and the switch 186 toselect the data to be transmitted and the data to be received andperforming full-duplex communication with the HDMI(R) source 71 usingthe CEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCL line192, the HDMI(R) sink 72 can perform high-speed bidirectionalcommunication while maintaining compatibility with the conventionalHDMI(R).

It should be noted that in the example of FIG. 7, the HDMI(R) source 71has a structure in which the conversion unit 131 is connected to the CECline 84 and the signal line 141 and the decode unit 183 is connected tothe SDA line 191 and the SCL line 192. However, a structure in which thedecode unit 183 is connected to the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141and the conversion unit 131 is connected to the SDA line 191 and the SCLline 192 is also possible.

In such a case, the switch 181 and the switch 182 are connected to thedecode unit 183 as well as the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141, andthe switch 133 is connected to the conversion unit 131 as well as theSDA line 191.

Further, the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 7 may also have a structurein which the conversion unit 184 is connected to the CEC line 84 and thesignal line 141 and the decode unit 136 is connected to the SDA line 191and the SCL line 192. In such a case, the switch 185 and the switch 186are connected to the conversion unit 184 as well as the CEC line 84 andthe signal line 141 and the switch 135 is connected to the decode unit136 as well as the SDA line 191.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the CEC line 84 and the signal line141 to be the replaced with the SDA line 191 and the SCL line 192 inFIG. 6. In other words, the conversion unit 131 and the decode unit 132of the HDMI(R) source 71 and the conversion unit 134 and the decode unit136 of the HDMI(R) sink 72 may be connected to the SDA line 191 and theSCL line 192 so that the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72perform IP communication using a half-duplex communication system. Inaddition, in this case, a reserved pin of a connector to which thesignal line 141 is connected may be used to detect a connection of anelectronic apparatus.

Moreover, the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 may each haveboth of the function of performing half-duplex communication and thefunction of performing full-duplex communication. In such a case, theHDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 can perform IP communicationusing a half-duplex communication system or a full-duplex communicationsystem according to a function of an electronic apparatus connectedthereto.

In a case where each of the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72has both of the function of performing half-duplex communication and thefunction of performing full-duplex communication, the HDMI(R) source 71and the HDMI(R) sink 72 are structured as shown in FIG. 14, for example.It should be noted that in FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those ofFIGS. 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, anddescriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The HDMI(R) source 71 shown in FIG. 14 is constituted of the transmitter81, the switching control unit 121, the timing control unit 122, and theswitching control unit 971. The transmitter 81 is provided with theconversion unit 131, the decode unit 132, the switch 133, the switch181, the switch 182, and the decode unit 183. In other words, theHDMI(R) source 71 of FIG. 14 has a structure in which the timing controlunit 122 and the decode unit 132 of FIG. 6 are added to the HDMI(R)source 71 shown in FIG. 7.

Moreover, the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 14 is constituted of thereceiver 82, the timing control unit 123, the switching control unit124, and the switching control unit 972. The receiver 82 is providedwith the conversion unit 134, the switch 135, the decode unit 136, theconversion unit 184, the switch 185, and the switch 186. In other words,the HDMI(R) sink 72 of FIG. 14 has a structure in which the timingcontrol unit 123 and the conversion unit 134 of FIG. 6 are added to theHDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 7.

Next, communication processing carried out by the HDMI(R) source 71 andthe HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 14 will be described.

First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 15, communication processingcarried out by the HDMI(R) source 71 shown in FIG. 14 will be described.It should be noted that since processes of Steps 5151 to 5154 are thesame as the processes of Steps S71 to S74 of FIG. 12, descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

In Step S155, the HDMI(R) source 71 judges whether full-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 is possible. In other words, theHDMI(R) source 71 references E-EDID received from the HDMI(R) sink 72 tojudge whether the full-duplex flag “Full Duplex” of FIG. 9 is set.

When judged in Step S155 that full-duplex communication is possible,that is, the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 14 or 7 is connected to theHDMI(R) source 71, in Step S156, the switching control unit 971 controlsthe switch 181 and the switch 182 and switches the switch 181 and theswitch 182 so that a differential signal corresponding to Rx data fromthe receiver 82 is selected at a time of receiving data.

On the other hand, when judged in Step S155 that full-duplexcommunication is not possible, in Step S157, the HDMI(R) source 71judges whether half-duplex communication is possible. Specifically, theHDMI(R) source 71 references the received E-EDID to judge whether thehalf-duplex flag “Half Duplex” of FIG. 9 is set. In other words, theHDMI(R) source judges whether the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 6 isconnected to the HDMI(R) source 71.

When judged in Step S157 that half-duplex communication is possible orwhen the switch 181 and the switch 182 are switched in Step S156, inStep S158, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits channel information to thereceiver 82 via the switch 133 and the CEC line 84.

Here, since the HDMI(R) sink 72 has the function of performingfull-duplex communication when it is judged in Step S155 thatfull-duplex communication is possible, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmitsto the receiver 82 via the switch 133 and the CEC line 84, as thechannel information, a signal notifying that IP communication using theCEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCL line 192 isto be performed.

Further, since the HDMI(R) sink 72 has the function of performinghalf-duplex communication although not having the function of performingfull-duplex communication when it is judged in Step S157 thathalf-duplex communication is possible, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmitsto the receiver 82 via the switch 133 and the CEC line 84, as thechannel information, a signal notifying that IP communication using theCEC line 84 and the signal line 141 is to be performed.

In Step S159, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 andswitches the switch 133 so that a differential signal corresponding toTx data from the conversion unit 131 is selected at a time oftransmitting data and a differential signal corresponding to Rx datatransmitted from the receiver 82 is selected at a time of receivingdata. It should be noted that when the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R)sink 72 perform full-duplex communication, at the time data is receivedin the HDMI(R) source 71, a differential signal corresponding to Rx datais not transmitted from the receiver 82 via the CEC line 84 and thesignal line 141. Therefore, the decode unit 132 is not supplied with adifferential signal corresponding to Rx data.

In Step S160, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72, and thecommunication processing is thus ended.

Specifically, when the HDMI(R) source 71 performs full-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72 and when performing half-duplexcommunication therewith, at a time of transmitting data, the conversionunit 131 converts Tx data supplied from the HDMI(R) source 71 into adifferential signal, transmits one of partial signals constituting thedifferential signal obtained by the conversion to the receiver 82 viathe switch 133 and the CEC line 84, and transmits the other one of thepartial signals to the receiver 82 via the signal line 141.

Moreover, when the HDMI(R) source 71 performs full-duplex communicationwith the HDMI(R) sink 72, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit183 receives the differential signal corresponding to the Rx data, thathas been transmitted from the receiver 82, decodes the receiveddifferential signal into Rx data as the original data, and outputs it tothe HDMI(R) source 71.

On the other hand, when the HDMI(R) source 71 performs half-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) sink 72, at the time of receiving data,the decode unit 132 receives the differential signal corresponding tothe Rx data, that has been transmitted from the receiver 82, undercontrol of the timing control unit 122, decodes the receiveddifferential signal into Rx data as the original data, and outputs it tothe HDMI(R) source 71.

Accordingly, the HDMI(R) source 71 transmits and receives various typesof data such as control data, pixel data, and audio data to/from theHDMI(R) sink 72.

Further, when judged in Step S157 that half-duplex communication is notpossible, in Step S161, the respective units of the HDMI(R) source 71transmit and receive CEC signals via the CEC line 84 to performbidirectional communication with the HDMI(R) sink 72, and thecommunication processing is thus ended.

As described above, the HDMI(R) source 71 references the full-duplexflag and the half-duplex flag and performs full-duplex communication orhalf-duplex communication according to the function of the HDMI(R) sink72 as a communication counterpart.

By thus switching the switch 133, the switch 181, and the switch 182 toselect the data to be transmitted and the data to be received andperforming full-duplex communication or half-duplex communicationaccording to the function of the HDMI(R) sink 72 as the communicationcounterpart, high-speed bidirectional communication can be performed byselecting an optimal communication method while maintainingcompatibility with the conventional HDMI(R).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 16, communication processingcarried out by the HDMI(R) sink 72 shown in FIG. 14 will be described.It should be noted that since processes of Steps S191 to S194 are thesame as the processes of Steps S111 to S114 of FIG. 13, descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

In Step S195, the HDMI(R) sink 72 receives channel informationtransmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 via the switch 135 and the CECline 84. It should be noted that when the HDMI(R) source 71 connected tothe HDMI(R) sink 72 does not have the function of performing full-duplexcommunication nor the function of performing half-duplex communication,channel information is not transmitted from the HDMI(R) source 71 to theHDMI(R) sink 72. Thus, the HDMI(R) sink 72 does not receive channelinformation.

In Step S196, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether to perform full-duplexcommunication based on the received channel information. When havingreceived channel information that notifies that IP communication usingthe CEC line 84 and signal line 141 and the SDA line 191 and SCL line192 is to be performed, for example, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges thatfull-duplex communication is to be performed.

When judged in Step S196 that full-duplex communication is to beperformed, in Step S197, the switching control unit 972 controls theswitch 185 and the switch 186 and switches the switch 185 and the switch186 so that a differential signal corresponding to Rx data from theconversion unit 184 is selected at a time of transmitting data.

Further, when judged in Step S196 that full-duplex communication is notto be performed, in Step S198, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges whether toperform half-duplex communication based on the received channelinformation. When having received channel information that notifies thatIP communication using the CEC line 84 and the signal line 141 is to beperformed, the HDMI(R) sink 72 judges that half-duplex communication isto be performed.

When judged in Step S198 that half-duplex communication is to beperformed or when the switch 185 and the switch 186 are switched in StepS197, in Step S199, the switching control unit 124 controls the switch135 and switches the switch 135 so that a differential signalcorresponding to Rx data from the conversion unit 134 is selected at atime of transmitting data and a differential signal corresponding to Txdata from the transmitter 81 is selected at a time of receiving data.

It should be noted that when the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink72 perform full-duplex communication, at the time data is transmitted inthe HDMI(R) sink 72, a differential signal corresponding to Rx data isnot transmitted from the conversion unit 134 to the transmitter 81.Thus, the switch 135 is not supplied with the differential signalcorresponding to Rx data.

In Step S200, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72 performbidirectional IP communication with the HDMI(R) source 71, and thecommunication processing is thus ended.

Specifically, when the HDMI(R) sink 72 performs full-duplexcommunication with the HDMI(R) source 71, at the time of transmittingdata, the conversion unit 184 converts the Rx data supplied from theHDMI(R) sink 72 into a differential signal, transmits one of partialsignals constituting the differential signal obtained by the conversionto the transmitter 81 via the switch 185 and the SDA line 191, andtransmits the other one of the partial signals to the transmitter 81 viathe switch 186 and the SCL line 192.

Further, when the HDMI(R) sink 72 performs half-duplex communicationwith the HDMI(R) source 71, at the time of transmitting data, theconversion unit 134 converts the Rx data supplied from the HDMI(R) sink72 into a differential signal, transmits one of partial signalsconstituting the differential signal obtained by the conversion to thetransmitter 81 via the switch 135 and the CEC line 84, and transmits theother one of the partial signals to the transmitter 81 via the signalline 141.

Furthermore, when the HDMI(R) sink 72 performs full-duplex communicationwith the HDMI(R) source 71 and when performing half-duplex communicationtherewith, at the time of receiving data, the decode unit 136 receives adifferential signal corresponding to Tx data, that has been transmittedfrom the transmitter 81, decodes the received differential signal intoTx data as the original data, and outputs it to the HDMI(R) sink 72.

Moreover, when judged in Step S198 that half-duplex communication is notto be performed, that is, when channel information is not received, inStep S201, the respective units of the HDMI(R) sink 72 transmit andreceive CEC signals to perform bidirectional communication with theHDMI(R) source 71, and the communication processing is thus ended.

As described above, the HDMI(R) sink 72 performs full-duplexcommunication or half-duplex communication according to the receivedchannel information, that is, the function of the HDMI(R) source 71 as acommunication counterpart.

By thus switching the switch 135, the switch 185, and the switch 186 toselect the data to be transmitted and the data to be received andperforming full-duplex communication or half-duplex communicationaccording to the function of the HDMI(R) source 71 as the communicationcounterpart, high-speed bidirectional communication can be performed byselecting an optimal communication method while maintainingcompatibility with the conventional HDMI(R).

Further, by connecting the HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 bythe HDMI(R) cable 35 including the CEC line and signal line 141 that aremutually connected as a differential twist pair, shielded, and groundedto a ground line and the SDA line 191 and SCL line 192 that are mutuallyconnected as a differential twist pair, shielded, and grounded to aground line, high-speed bidirectional IP communication that uses ahalf-duplex communication system or a full-duplex communication systemcan be performed while maintaining compatibility with the conventionalHDMI(R) cable.

As described above, by selecting data to be transmitted out of one or aplurality of pieces of data to be transmitted and transmitting theselected data to a communication counterpart via a predetermined signalline, and by selecting data to be received out of one or a plurality ofpieces of data to be received that is/are transmitted from thecommunication counterpart and receiving the selected data, high-speedbidirectional IP communication can be performed between the HDMI(R)source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 via the HDMI(R) cable 35 whilemaintaining compatibility as an HDMI(R), that is, while allowing pixeldata of an uncompressed picture to be transmitted unidirectionally athigh speed from the HDMI(R) source 71 to the HDMI(R) sink 72.

As a result, in a case where a source apparatus as an electronicapparatus that incorporates the HDMI(R) source 71, such as thereproducing apparatus 33 shown in FIG. 2, has a function as a server ofa DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) or the like and a sinkapparatus as an electronic apparatus that incorporates the HDMI(R) sink72, such as the digital television receiver 31 shown in FIG. 2, has acommunication interface for a LAN such as the Ethernet (registeredtrademark), it is possible to transmit, through bidirectional IPcommunication via an electronic apparatus such as the amplifier 32connected directly or via an HDMI(R) cable, a content from the sourceapparatus to the sink apparatus via the HDMI(R) cable and also transmita content from the source apparatus, from the sink apparatus to anotherapparatus (e.g., digital television receiver 34 shown in FIG. 2)connected to the LAN communication interface of the sink apparatus.

Furthermore, by the bidirectional IP communication between the HDMI(R)source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72, control commands and responses can beexchanged at high speed between the source apparatus incorporating theHDMI(R) source 71 and the sink apparatus incorporating the HDMI(R) sink72, which are connected by the HDMI(R) cable 35, and quick-responseinter-apparatus control thus becomes possible.

The series of processes described above may be realized by dedicatedhardware or software. When the series of processes are realized bysoftware, a program constituting that software is installed in, forexample, a microcomputer that controls the HDMI(R) source 71 and theHDMI(R) sink 72.

In this regard, FIG. 17 shows a structural example of an embodiment of acomputer in which a program for executing the series of processesdescribed above is installed.

The program can be recorded in advance in an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-only Memory) 305 or a ROM 303 as a built-inrecording medium of a computer.

Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) temporarily orpermanently in a removable recording medium such as a flexible disc, aCD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disc, aDVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductormemory. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-calledpackage software.

It should be noted that in addition to being installed in a computerfrom the removable recording medium as described above, the program maybe transferred wirelessly to a computer from a download site via asatellite for digital satellite broadcast or transferred to the computerby wire via a network such as a LAN and the Internet so that thecomputer can receive the thus-transferred program by an input/outputinterface 306 and install it in the built-in EEPROM 305.

The computer includes a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) 302. Theinput/output interface 306 is connected to the CPU 302 via a bus 301,and the CPU 302 loads the program stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory)303 or the EEPROM 305 into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 304 and executesit. Accordingly, the CPU 302 carries out the processing according to theflowcharts described above or processing carried out by the structuresin the block diagrams described above.

Here, in the specification, process steps that describe a program forcausing a computer to execute various types of processing do notnecessarily need to be processed in time-series along a sequencedescribed in the flowchart, and processes that are executed in parallelor individually (e.g., parallel process or process by object) are alsoincluded.

Moreover, the program may be processed by a single computer or may beprocessed dispersively by a plurality of computers.

In this embodiment, bidirectional IP communication is performed betweenthe HDMI(R) source 71 and the HDMI(R) sink 72 by controlling a timing ofselecting data and a reception timing and transmission timing of adifferential signal as necessary. However, bidirectional communicationmay instead be performed by a protocol other than the IP.

It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention is notlimited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be madewithout departing from the gist of the present invention.

According to the above embodiment, bidirectional communication can beperformed. In particular, it is possible to perform high-speedbidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility in acommunication interface capable of unidirectionally transmitting pixeldata of an uncompressed picture and audio data associated with thatpicture at high speed, for example.

Incidentally, although some parts overlap the technique that has alreadybeen described above, many audio/video apparatuses are implemented witha LAN communication function for the purposes of bidirectional programviewing, high-level remote control, a reception of an electronic programguide, and the like.

As means for forming a network among the audio/video apparatuses, thereare options including laying of a dedicated cable such as CAT5, wirelesscommunication, and lamp line communication.

However, a dedicated cable makes an inter-apparatus connection complex,and a wireless or lamp line connection is disadvantageous in that acomplex modulation circuit and transceiver are expensive.

In this regard, in the above embodiment, there is disclosed a techniqueof adding a LAN communication function without adding a new connectorelectrode to the HDMI.

Since the HDMI is an interface for performing video and audio datatransmissions, a replacement and authentication of connected apparatusinformation, and communication of apparatus control data by using onecable, an advantage that LAN communication can be performed with anaddition of the LAN function, without using a dedicated cable orwireless communication, is large.

Incidentally, in the technique disclosed as the above embodiment, thedifferential transmission channel used in the LAN communication is usedfor the replacement and authentication of connected apparatusinformation and communication of apparatus control data.

In the HDMI, connected apparatus electric characteristics are severelyrestricted in terms of a parasitic capacitance and an impedance withrespect to both the DDC that performs a replacement and authenticationof connected apparatus information and the CEC that performscommunication of apparatus control data.

Specifically, a DDC terminal parasitic capacitance of an apparatus isrequired to be 50 pF or less. The connection terminal is required to begrounded to ground GND at 200Ω or less at a time of LOW output andconnected by pull-up to a power source at about 2 kΩ in a HIGH state.

On the other hand, transmission/reception terminals are required to beterminated at at least about 100Ω in a high frequency range in order tostabilize communication in LAN communication for transmitting ahigh-speed signal.

FIG. 19 shows a state where a transmitter 404 and a transmitter 405 forLAN communication, that are constantly connected to DDC lines of anexisting HDMI source apparatus 401 and sink apparatus 402, areAC-coupled.

In order to satisfy the DDC parasitic capacitance restrictions, it isrequired for a LAN transmitter/receiver circuit added to the DDC linesto have AC coupling via a sufficiently small capacitance. Since a LANsignal is largely attenuated and distorted, there is a fear that thetransmitter/receiver circuit for compensating this may become complexand expensive.

A transition between HIGH and LOW during DDC communication may hinderLAN communication. In other words, there is a fear that the LAN does notfunction during a DDC communication period.

In this regard, hereinafter, as a more preferable embodiment,descriptions will be given on a communication system havingcharacteristics that, in an interface that performs video and audio datatransmissions, a replacement and authentication of connected apparatusinformation, communication of apparatus control data, and LANcommunication by using basically one cable, the LAN communication isperformed by bidirectional communication via a pair of differentialtransmission channels and a connection state of the interface isnotified based on a DC bias potential of at least one of thetransmission channels.

The technique described below does not necessarily need to have aselection unit as in the above embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing a first structural example of thecommunication system in which a connection state of the interface isnotified based on a DC bias potential of at least one of thetransmission channels.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a structural example of the system in acase where the Ethernet (registered trademark) is used.

As shown in FIG. 18, a communication system 400 is constituted of a LANfunction expansion HDMI (hereinafter, abbreviated to EH) sourceapparatus 401, an EH sink apparatus 402, an EH cable 403 for connectingthe EH source apparatus and the EH sink apparatus, an Ethernet(registered trademark) transmitter 404, and an Ethernet (registeredtrademark) receiver 405.

The EH source apparatus 401 includes a LAN signal transmitter circuit411, a terminating resistor 412, AC coupling capacitors 413 and 414, aLAN signal receiver circuit 415, a subtracting circuit 416, a pull-upresistor 421, a resistor 422 and a capacitor 423 forming a low-passfilter, a comparator 424, a pull-down resistor 431, a resistor 432 and acapacitor 433 forming a low-pass filter, and a comparator 434.

The EH sink apparatus 402 includes a LAN signal transmitter circuit 441,a terminating resistor 442, AC coupling capacitors 443 and 444, a LANsignal receiver circuit 445, a subtracting circuit 446, a pull-downresistor 451, a resistor 452 and a capacitor 453 forming a low-passfilter, a comparator 454, a choke coil 461, and resistors 462 and 463serially connected between a power source potential and a referencepotential.

Provided in the EH cable 403 are differential transmission channelsconstituted of a reserved line 501 and an HPD Line 502, and asource-side terminal 511 of the reserved line 501, a source-sideterminal 512 of the HPD Line 502, a sink-side terminal 521 of thereserved line 501, and a sink-side terminal 522 of the HPD line areformed. The reserved line 501 and the HPD line 502 are connected as adifferential twist pair.

In this case, the source-side terminal 511 of the reserved line 501 andthe source-side terminal 512 of the HPD Line 502 function as a secondchannel unit. Moreover, the sink-side terminal 521 of the reserved line501 and the sink-side terminal 522 of the HPD Line function as a fourthchannel unit.

In the communication system 400 having the structure as described above,the terminals 511 and 512 are connected to the terminating resistor 412,the LAN signal transmitter circuit 411, and the LAN signal receivercircuit 415 via the AC coupling capacitors 413 and 414 in the sourceapparatus 401.

The subtracting circuit 416 receives a sum signal SG417 of atransmission signal voltage generated by a current output from the LANsignal transmitter circuit 411 with the terminating resistor 412 andtransmission channels 501 and 502 as a load, and a reception signalvoltage as a signal transmitted from the EH sink apparatus 402.

In the subtracting circuit 416, a signal SG413 obtained by subtracting atransmission signal SG411 from the sum signal SG412 is a net signaltransmitted from the sink.

The sink apparatus 402 has a similar circuit network, and by thosecircuits, the source apparatus 4011 and the sink apparatus 402 performbidirectional LAN communication.

In addition to the LAN communication described above, the HPD line 502notifies the source apparatus 401 that the cable 403 has been connectedto the sink apparatus 402 by a DC bias level.

The resistors 462 and 463 and the choke coil 461 of the sink apparatus402 bias the HPD line 502 to about 4 V via the terminal 522 when thecable 403 is connected to the sink apparatus 402.

The source apparatus 401 extracts a DC bias of the HPD line 502 by thelow-pass filter constituted of the resistor 432 and the capacitor 433,and the comparator 434 compares it with a reference potential Vref2(e.g., 1.4 V).

If the cable 403 is not connected to the source apparatus 402, apotential of the terminal 512 is lower than the reference potentialVref2 at the pull-down resistor 431 and is higher if connected.

Therefore, if an output signal SG415 of the comparator 434 is HIGH, itindicates that the cable 403 is connected to the sink apparatus 402.

On the other hand, if the output signal SG415 of the comparator 434 isLOW, it indicates that the cable 403 is not connected to the sinkapparatus 402.

In the first structural example, there is additionally provided afunction of mutually recognizing, from a DC bias potential of thereserved line 501, which of an EH-compliant apparatus and anon-EH-compliant HDMI apparatus the apparatuses connected at both endsof the cable 403 are.

The EH source apparatus 401 pulls up (+5 V) the reserved line 501 by theresistor 421, and the EH sink apparatus 402 pulls it down by theresistor 451.

These resistors 421 and 451 do not exist in the non-EH-compliantapparatus.

The comparator 424 of the EH source apparatus 401 compares a DCpotential of the reserved line 501 that has passed through the low-passfilter constituted of the resistor 422 and capacitor 423 with areference voltage Vref1.

If the sink apparatus 402 supports EH and has a pull down, the potentialof the reserved line 501 becomes 2.5 V, and if not supporting EH and isopened, the potential becomes 5 V. Therefore, if the reference potentialVref1 is set to 3.75 V, it is possible to make a distinction between acompliant sink apparatus and a non-compliant sink apparatus.

The comparator 454 of the sink apparatus 402 compares a DC potential ofthe reserved line 501 that has passed through the low-pass filterconstituted of the resistor 452 and the capacitor 453 with a referencevoltage Vref3.

If the source apparatus 402 supports EH and has a pull-up function, thepotential becomes 2.5 V, and if not supporting EH, the potential becomes0 V. Therefore, if the reference potential is set to 1.25 V, it ispossible to make a distinction between an EH-compliant apparatus and anon-EH-compliant apparatus.

As described above, according to the first structural example, in theinterface that performs video and audio data transmissions, areplacement and authentication of connected apparatus information,communication of apparatus control data, and LAN communication by usingone cable 403, the LAN communication is performed by bidirectionalcommunication via a pair of differential transmission channels, and aconnection state of the interface is notified by a DC bias potential ofat least one of the transmission channels. Therefore, it becomespossible to perform spatial separation in which the SCL line and the SDAline are not physically used in LAN communication.

As a result, due to the division, a LAN communication circuit can beformed irrespective of an electrical specification defined for DDC, withthe result that stable and reliable LAN communication can be realized ata low cost.

It should be noted that it is also possible to provide the pull-upresistor 421 shown in FIG. 18 in the EH cable 403 instead of the EHsource apparatus 401. In such a case, terminals of the pull-up resistor421 are respectively connected to the reserved line 501 and a line(signal line) connected to a power source (power source potential) outof the lines provided in the EH cable 403.

Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the pull-down resistor 451and the resistor 463 shown in FIG. 18 in the EH cable 403 instead of theEH sink apparatus 402. In such a case, terminals of the pull-downresistor 451 are respectively connected to the reserved line 501 and aline connected to the ground (reference potential) (ground line) out ofthe lines provided in the EH cable 403. Also, terminals of the resistor463 are respectively connected to the HPD Line 502 and the lineconnected to the ground (reference potential) (ground line) out of thelines provided in the EH cable 403.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing a second structural example of thecommunication system in which a connection state of the interface isnotified by a DC bias potential of at least one of the transmissionchannels.

Fundamentally similar to the first structural example, a communicationsystem 600 is characterized by having a structure in which, in aninterface that performs video and audio data transmissions, areplacement and authentication of connected apparatus information,communication of apparatus control data, and LAN communication by usingone cable, the LAN communication is performed by unidirectionalcommunication via two pairs of differential transmission channels, and aconnection state of the interface is notified by a DC bias potential ofat least one of the transmission channels, and that at least twotransmission channels are used time-divisionally with the LANcommunication, for communication for the replacement and authenticationof connected apparatus information.

As shown in FIG. 20, the communication system 600 is constituted of aLAN function expansion HDMI (hereinafter, abbreviated to EH) sourceapparatus 601, an EH sink apparatus 602, and an EH cable 603 forconnecting the EH source apparatus and the EH sink apparatus.

The EH source apparatus 601 includes a LAN signal transmitter circuit611, terminating resistors 612 and 613, AC coupling capacitors 614 to617, a LAN signal receiver circuit 618, an inverter 620, a resistor 621,a resistor 622 and a capacitor 623 forming a low-pass filter, acomparator 624, a pull-down resistor 631, a resistor 632 and a capacitor633 forming a low-pass filter, a comparator 634, a NOR gate 640, analogswitches 641 to 644, an inverter 635, analog switches 646 and 747, DDCtransceivers 651 and 652, and pull-up resistors 653 and 654.

The EH sink apparatus 602 includes a LAN signal transmitter circuit 661,terminating resistors 662 and 663, AC coupling capacitors 664 to 667, aLAN signal receiver circuit 668, a pull-down resistor 671, a resistor672 and a capacitor 673 forming a low-pass filter, a comparator 674, achoke coil 681, resistors 682 and 683 serially connected between a powersource potential and a reference potential, analog switches 691 to 694,an inverter 695, analog switches 696 and 697, DDC transceivers 701 and702, and a pull-up resistor 703.

Provided in the EH cable 603 are differential transmission channelsconstituted of a reserved line 801 and an SCL line 803 and differentialtransmission channels constituted of an SDA line 804 and an HPD line802, and source-side terminals 811 to 814 thereof and sink-sideterminals 821 to 824 are formed.

The reserved line 801 and SCL line 803 and the SDA line 804 and HPD line802 are connected as differential twist pairs. The terminals 811 to 814connected thereto function as the second channel unit.

In the communication system 600 structured as described above, theterminals 811 and 813 are connected to the transmitter circuit 611 fortransmitting a LAN transmission signal SG611 to the sink and theterminating resistor 612 via the AC coupling capacitors 614 and 615 andthe analog switches 641 and 642, in the source apparatus 601.

The terminals 814 and 812 are connected to the receiver circuit 618 forreceiving a LAN signal from the sink apparatus 602 and the terminatingresistor 613 via the AC coupling capacitors 616 and 617 and the analogswitches 643 and 644.

In the sink apparatus 602, the terminals 821 to 824 are connected to thetransmitter and receiver circuits 668 and 661 and the terminatingresistors 662 and 663 via the AC coupling capacitors 664, 665, 666, and667 and the analog switches 691 to 694.

The analog switches 641 to 644 and 691 to 694 are turned on when LANcommunication is performed and opened when DDC communication isperformed.

The source apparatus 601 connects the terminals 813 and 814 to the DDCtransceivers 651 and 652 and the pull-up resistors 653 and 654 via otheranalog switches 646 and 647.

The sink apparatus 602 connects the terminals 823 and 824 to the DDCtransceivers 701 and 702 and the pull-up resistor 703 via the analogswitches 696 and 697.

The analog switches 646, 647, 696, and 697 are turned on when DDCcommunication is performed and opened when DLAN communication isperformed.

A recognition mechanism of an EH-compliant apparatus based on apotential of the reserved line 801 is basically the same as that of thefirst structural example except that the resistor 62 of the sourceapparatus 601 is driven by the inverter 620.

When an input to the inverter 620 is HIGH, the resistor 621 becomes apull-down resistor, thus providing a 0 V state which is the same as acase where a non-EH-compliant apparatus is connected as seen from thesink apparatus 602.

Consequently, a signal SG623 indicating an EH compliance identificationresult of the sink apparatus 602 becomes LOW, the analog switches 691 to694 controlled by the signal SG623 are opened, and the analog switches696 and 697 controlled by a signal obtained by inverting the signalSG623 by the inverter 695 are turned on.

As a result, the sink apparatus 602 enters a state where the SCL line803 and the SDA line 804 are disconnected from the LAN transceiver andconnected to the DDC transceiver.

On the other hand, in the source apparatus 601, an input to the inverter620 is also input to the NOR gate 640, and an output SG614 thereof isset to LOW.

The analog switches 641 to 6444 controlled by the output signal SG614 ofthe NOR gate 640 are opened, and the analog switches 646 and 647controlled by a signal obtained by inverting the signal SG614 by theinverter 645 are turned on.

As a result, the source apparatus 601 also enters a state where the SCLline 803 and the SDA line 804 are disconnected from the LAN transceiverand connected to the DDC transceiver.

Conversely, when an input to the inverter 620 is LOW, both the sourceapparatus 601 and the sink apparatus 602 enter a state where the SCLline 803 and the SDA line 804 are disconnected from the DDC transceiverand connected to the LAN transceiver.

The circuits 631 to 634 and 681 to 683 for confirming the connectionbased on a DC bias potential of the HPD line 802 have the same functionsas those of the first structural example.

In other words, in addition to the LAN communication described above,the HPD Line 802 notifies the source apparatus 601 that the cable 803has been connected to the sink apparatus 602 by a DC bias level.

The resistors 682 and 683 and the choke coil 681 of the sink apparatus602 bias the HPD line 802 to about 4 V via the terminal 822 when thecable 603 is connected to the sink apparatus 602.

The source apparatus 601 extracts a DC bias of the HPD line 802 by thelow-pass filter constituted of the resistor 632 and the capacitor 633,and the comparator 634 compares it with the reference potential Vref2(e.g., 1.4 V).

If the cable 603 is not connected to the source apparatus 602, apotential of the terminal 812 is lower than the reference potentialVref2 at the pull-down resistor 631 and is higher if connected.

Therefore, if an output signal SG613 of the comparator 634 is HIGH, itindicates that the cable 803 is connected to the sink apparatus 602.

On the other hand, if the output signal SG613 of the comparator 634 isLOW, it indicates that the cable 603 is not connected to the sinkapparatus 602.

As described above, according to the second structural example, in theinterface that performs video and audio data transmissions, areplacement and authentication of connected apparatus information,communication of apparatus control data, and LAN communication by usingone cable, the LAN communication is performed by unidirectionalcommunication via two pairs of differential transmission channels, and aconnection state of the interface is notified by a DC bias potential ofat least one of the transmission channels, and further, at least twotransmission channels are used time-divisionally with LAN communication,for communication for the replacement and authentication of connectedapparatus information. Therefore, it is possible to perform a timedivision to obtain a time slot in which the SCL line and the SDA lineare connected to a LAN communication circuit and a time slot in whichthey are connected to a DDC circuit by a switch and form a LANcommunication circuit irrespective of the electrical specificationdefined for DDC by this division, with the result that stable andreliable LAN communication can be realized at a low cost.

It should be noted that it is also possible to provide the resistor 621shown in FIG. 20 in the EH cable 603 instead of the EH source apparatus601. In such a case, terminals of the resistor 621 are respectivelyconnected to the reserved line 801 and a line (signal line) connected toa power source (power source potential) out of the lines provided in theEH cable 603.

Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the pull-down resistor 671and the resistor 683 shown in FIG. 20 in the EH cable 603 instead of theEH sink apparatus 602. In such a case, terminals of the pull-downresistor 671 are respectively connected to the reserved line 801 and aline connected to the ground (reference potential) (ground line) out ofthe lines provided in the EH cable 603. Also, terminals of the resistor683 are respectively connected to the HPD Line 802 and the lineconnected to the ground (reference potential) (ground line) out of thelines provided in the EH cable 603.

As described heretofore, in the embodiment associated with FIGS. 2 to17, out of 19 HDMI pins, SDA and SCL are used as a first differentialpair, and CEC and Reserved are used as a second pair to thus realizefull duplex communication in which unidirectional communication isperformed by each pair.

However, for SDA and SCL, H is pull-up of 1.5 KΩ and L is pull-down of alow impedance. Also for CEC, H is pull-up of 27 KΩ and L is pull-down ofa low impedance.

Retaining these functions in order to have compatibility with theexisting HDMI may lead to a fear that it becomes difficult to share afunction of the LAN for performing high-speed data communication whichis required to have ends of transmission channels matched andterminated.

In this regard, in the first structural example, full duplexcommunication is realized by one-pair bidirectional communication usingReserved and HPD as a differential pair while avoiding the use of SDA,SCL, and CEC lines.

Since HPD is a flag signal based on a DC level, injection of a LANsignal by AC coupling and transmission of plug information based on a DClevel are compatible. Newly added to Reserved is a function of mutuallyrecognizing a terminal having a LAN function by a DC level using amethod similar to HPD.

In the second structural example, HPD and SDA, and SCL and Reserved maketwo pairs of differential pairs to realize two-pair full duplexcommunication in which unidirectional communication is performed by eachpair.

Timings of burst-like DDC communication that uses SDA and SCL in theHDMI are controlled with the transmitter being a master at all times.

In this example, analog switches are operated so that, when atransmitter performs DDC communication, SDA and SCL lines are connectedto the DDC transceiver, and when DDC communication is not performed, thelines are connected to the LAN transceiver.

These switch operation signals are also transmitted to a receiver at aDC level of the Reserved line, and a similar SW switch is performed onthe receiver side.

By adopting the structure described above, as a first effect, SCL, SDA,and CEC communication is not influenced by noises in LAN communicationand stable DDC and CEC communication can constantly be secured.

This is achieved by physically separating the LAN from those lines inthe first structural example and cutting off a LAN signal from the linesby the switches during DDC communication in the second structuralexample.

As a second effect, it becomes possible to perform stable communicationhaving a large margin because LAN communication is performed by lineshaving ideal terminations.

This is because, in the first structural example, since a LAN signal issuperimposed on lines like Reserved and HPD that transmit a signal onlyat a DC level, a terminating impedance can be maintained at an idealvalue in a sufficiently broad frequency band necessary for LANcommunication, and in the second structural example, terminatingcircuits for the LAN unpermitted for DDC communication are connected bythe switches only during LAN communication.

FIGS. 21A to 21E are diagrams showing bidirectional communicationwaveforms in the communication system of the structural examples.

FIG. 21A shows a signal waveform transmitted from an EH sink apparatus,FIG. 21B shows a signal waveform received by the EH sink apparatus, FIG.21C shows a signal waveform passing through a cable, FIG. 21D shows asignal received by an EH source apparatus, and FIG. 21E shows a signalwaveform transmitted from the EH source apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a structure of a video program viewingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This video program viewing system includes a display apparatus 10 and arecording/reproducing apparatus 30 capable of transmitting video data tothe display apparatus 10, for example. The display apparatus 10 istypically a television receiver and is connected to therecording/reproducing apparatus 30 by a transmission line 1 of anHDMI(R) standard.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a structural example of the displayapparatus 10. The display apparatus 10 structured as a televisionreceiver includes an HDMI terminal 91 for connecting with an HDMI cable1 (FIG. 22). The HDMI terminal 91 is a terminal to which video data orthe like is input and carries out at least input processing of videodata input from an HDMI reception processing unit 92. An apparatus inputwith the video data by the HDMI may be sometimes called sink apparatus.The input processing in the HDMI reception processing unit 92 isexecuted under control of an HDMI reception control unit 93. Partialdata of control data or the like can be transmitted from the HDMIreception processing unit 92 to the cable 1 connected to the HDMIterminal 91 under control of the HDMI reception control unit 93.

A transmission that uses the HDMI terminal 91 is controlled by a controlunit 97 that controls an overall operation of the display apparatus 10.A video display processing unit 98 processes video data received by theHDMI terminal 91 or video data received by a tuner 27 for display, anddisplays it on a display panel 99. Various video display means such as aliquid crystal display panel are applicable as the display panel.

In this embodiment, the tuner 27 may be of a type that is capable ofreceiving contents of a plurality of channels. In other words, the tuner27 may be constituted of a plurality of tuners.

A content refers to data including at least video data. Hereinafter, acontent including at least video data may be referred to as videocontent. Though the content is typically a broadcast program content, itis not limited thereto and includes audio data, text data, dataassociated with those pieces of data, and the like in addition to videodata.

The display apparatus 10 also includes an audio processing unit 94. Theaudio processing unit 94 subjects audio data received by the HDMIterminal 91 or audio data received by the tuner 27 to audio processingto obtain an analog-converted audio signal. The audio signal obtained bythe conversion is subjected to output processing such as anamplification in an output processing unit 21 and output from speakers22L and 22R connected to the output processing unit 21.

A list of video contents receivable via the HDMI terminal 91 of thedisplay apparatus 10 is stored in an HDMI content list storage unit 25under control of the control unit 97. At a stage of exchanging controldata with an apparatus connected to the HDMI terminal 91, the controlunit 97 acquires the content list from that apparatus as a counterpartand stores data received by the reception processing unit 92 in the HDMIcontent list storage unit 25. Furthermore, a status of a datatransmission via the HDMI terminal 91 is stored in an HDMI statusstorage unit 26. The status stored in the HDMI status storage unit 26 istypically data necessary for specifying, when a video content is beingreceived, the content that is being received and data of a received(reproduced) section of the video content.

The display apparatus 10 is not limited to a television receiver and mayinstead be a display apparatus that does not include the tuner 27, forexample.

Instead of the recording/reproducing apparatus 30, an apparatus thatdoes not include a tuner 44 may be used as long as it is an apparatusthat is capable of storing contents.

A content reproduction position storage unit 28 stores a reproductionposition of a video content received and reproduced (viewed) via theHDMI terminal 91 of the display apparatus 10. The control unit 97discriminates the reproduction position stored in the storage unit 28.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structural example of therecording/reproducing apparatus 30. The recording/reproducing apparatus30 structured as a video recorder that receives and records a videocontent (video program) and reproduces the recorded video contentincludes an HDMI terminal 101 for connecting with the HDMI cable 1 (FIG.22). The HDMI terminal 101 is a terminal that outputs video data and thelike, and an HDMI transmission processing unit 102 carries out outputprocessing of video data and/or audio data. An apparatus that outputsvideo data by the HDMI may sometimes be referred to as source apparatus.Input processing by the HDMI transmission processing unit 102 isexecuted under control of an HDMI transmission control unit 103. Partialdata of control data or the like is transmitted to a counterpartapparatus (input apparatus) connected by the cable under control of theHDMI transmission control unit 103. Data such as control datatransmitted from the counterpart apparatus is discriminated by the HDMItransmission control unit 103.

A transmission that uses the HDMI terminal 101 is controlled by acontrol unit 104 that controls an overall operation of therecording/reproducing apparatus 30. The recording/reproducing apparatus30 includes a content storage unit 42 that stores video contents (videoprograms of broadcast programs, movies, etc.). The content storage unit42 is typically constituted of a large-capacity hard disk, but devicessuch as a solid-state memory and an optical recording medium may be usedinstead. Processing of storing (recording) video contents in the contentstorage unit 42 and reproducing the stored contents is executed by acontent recording/reproducing unit 43. The video content subjected tothe reproduction processing by the content recording/reproducing unit 43is output from the HDMI terminal 101.

A list of contents stored in the content storage unit 42 is stored in acontent list storage unit 41. Recording media such as a hard disk, anoptical disc, a magneto optical disc, and a solid-state memory only needto be used as the content list storage unit 41.

The content list stored in the content storage unit 42 is a list thatstores, when a video content is a broadcast program, a program title, abroadcast date and time, a length (recording time), casts, a programcontent, and the like using an EPG (Electric Program Guide) related tothe broadcast program. When a video content is a video content taken bya video camera apparatus, the content list is a list that stores a shotdate and time, a title, a length, and the like.

Moreover, in the case of this example, an index video is prepared in thelist of video contents, and the index video is transmitted to thedisplay apparatus 10 side. The index video is typically a picture thatincludes a picture obtained by reducing, contracting, or thinning(hereinafter, referred to as size-reduced, etc.) video data of a videocontent. An example of the size-reduced pictures includes a so-calledthumbnail picture. An example of transmission processing of an indexvideo will be described later.

Next, an example of a data structure of each channel transmitted betweenthe HDMI terminal 101 of the recording/reproducing apparatus 30 and theHDMI terminal 91 of the display apparatus 10 via the HDMI cable 1 willbe described. As shown in FIG. 25, in the HDMI standard, three channelsof Channel 0, Channel 1, and Channel 2 are provided as channels fortransmitting video data, and a clock channel for transmitting pixelclocks is also provided. Further, a power source transmission line, aDDC (Display Data Channel) line, and a CEC (Consumer ElectronicsControl) line are also provided. A content list request, a reproductionposition instruction, and returns with respect to those instructionsthat are to be described later are made using the CEC channel as acontrol data transmission channel, for example.

On the transmission side (recording/reproducing apparatus 30), datacombination units 32A, 32B, and 32C are provided inside the transmissionprocessing unit 102 for the respective channels that transmit videodata, and also on the reception side (display apparatus 10), dataseparation units 12A, 12B, and 12C are provided inside the receptionprocessing unit 92 for the respective channels that transmit video data.

A structure of each channel will be described. Through Channel 0, pixeldata of B data (blue-color data), vertical synchronization data,horizontal synchronization data, and auxiliary data are transmitted.Through Channel 1, pixel data of G data (green-color data), two types ofcontrol data (CTL0 and CTL1), and auxiliary data are transmitted.Through Channel 2, pixel data of R data (red-color data), two types ofcontrol data (CTL2 and CTL3), and auxiliary data are transmitted.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a line structure and a pixel structure ofone frame that is transmitted by the transmission structure of thisembodiment. Video data to be transmitted (main video data) isuncompressed data to which a vertical blanking area and a horizontalblanking area are added. In the example of FIG. 26, pixel data of 480lines×720 pixels is shown as an example of a video area to be displayed(area indicated as active video area), and the number of lines and thenumber of pixels including the blanking areas are 525 lines and 858pixels, respectively. Double-hatched areas in the blanking areas areeach a period called data island in which auxiliary data can be added.

Next, a structure and processing for transmitting video data from therecording/reproducing apparatus 30 to the display apparatus 10 using theHDMI cable 1 will be described. Here, an example in which a plurality ofpieces of video data are transmitted from the recording/reproducingapparatus 30 to the display apparatus 10 via one HDMI cable 1 will bedescribed. In descriptions below, transmission processing of a pluralityof pieces of video data will mainly be described. Furthermore,descriptions on FIGS. 27 to 30 are practically to help understand afourth embodiment (to be described later) as a typical embodiment of thepresent invention.

A block structure for realizing the transmission processing of videodata by the recording/reproducing apparatus 30 will be described whilereferring to FIG. 27. The structure shown in FIG. 27 is executed undercontrol of the control unit 104 shown in FIG. 24.

For example, the recording/reproducing apparatus 30 receives a broadcastsignal by a tuner unit 44 in advance via an antenna input terminal 44 aand stores it in a large-capacity storage apparatus 42 as a typicalexample of the content storage unit 42.

A size/compression method conversion unit 45 reduces a size of videodata received by the tuner unit 44 or converts a compression (encode)method of the video data into a predetermined compression method. Forexample, when storing by a compression method (codec) different fromthat of a broadcast signal, such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group),the size/compression method conversion unit 45 converts that compressionmethod. When the compression method is not converted by thesize/compression method conversion unit 45, video data compressed by thecompression method of a broadcast signal only needs to be stored as itis in the large-capacity storage apparatus 42. Other than MPEG, anycodec such as WMV (Windows (registered trademark) Media Video) and DivXmay be used.

Compressed video data stored in the large-capacity storage apparatus 42is converted into uncompressed video data by decode units 111 a, 111 b,. . . 111 n individually for each video data.

Size conversion units 112 a, 112 b, . . . 112 n each convert the datathat has been converted into uncompressed video data into a necessarysize for a transmission and supply it to a switch unit 32 a inside theHDMI transmission processing unit 102 (FIG. 24). Typically, the sizeconversion units 112 a to 112 n reduce a data size or the like.

The switch unit 32 a selects one of a plurality of pieces of video data.Moreover, the switch unit 32 a selects a pixel discriminated by a pixeldiscrimination unit 32 d and transmits it to an interface (IF) unit 32b.

A clock generation unit 32 c supplies clocks to the interface (IF) unit32 b and the pixel discrimination unit 32 d. Here, the clock generationunit 32 c generates at least pixel clocks.

The IF unit 32 b is a function that the HDMI transmission processingunit 102 has and transmits video data transmitted from the switch unit32 a to the HDMI terminal 101 in accordance with the supplied clocks.

The pixel discrimination unit 32 d discriminates which pixel should beselected by the switch unit 32 b out of all pieces of pixel data of oneframe in one piece of video data selected by the switch unit 32 a.Accordingly, the switch unit 32 a transmits pixel data one at a time foreach channel in the order of the plurality of pieces of video datainstead of successively transmitting pixel data of one frame in onepiece of video data.

For example, as shown in FIG. 33, when three pieces of video data ofFrame J, Frame K, and Frame L are transmitted, the pixel discriminationunit 32 d causes Pixel 0 to be successively transmitted in the order ofFrames J, K, and L and similarly processes Pixel 1 after that.Subsequently, the pixel discrimination unit 32 d similarly processesPixel 2 and repeats those operations thereafter. Therefore, the clockgeneration unit 32 c supplies the generated pixel clocks to the IF unit32 b and the pixel discrimination unit 32 d. As a result, a transmissiontiming of data from the IF unit 32 b and a switching timing aresynchronized.

The reception side (display apparatus 10 side) contracts and alignsFrame J, Frame K, and Frame L that have been received at the same timeon one screen for display, for example. For example, in a case ofthumbnail pictures of moving images, when a content list is displayed onthe display apparatus 10, the control unit 97 aligns the moving imagesto display them and prompts a user to select a content to reproduce fromthe displayed moving images.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing processingfor the display apparatus 10 to receive video data transmitted from therecording/reproducing apparatus 30 to the HDMI cable 1 as in FIG. 27.The structure shown in FIG. 28 is executed under control of the controlunit 97 shown in FIG. 23.

The display apparatus 10 receives video data by an interface unit 12 ain sync with pixel clocks received by a clock unit 12 c and supplies itto a switch unit 12 b. A pixel discrimination unit 12 d discriminates towhich video data the received pixel data belongs and to which coordinateposition (x, y) in the frame it corresponds. The switch unit 12 bcategorizes the plurality of pieces of video data in a pixel unit andsupplies them to picture memories 121 a, 121 b, . . . 121 n thatindividually store the video data, based on the discrimination of thepixel discrimination unit 12 d. A picture combination unit 222 combinesthe video data stored in the picture memories 121 a, 121 b, . . . 121 nand a video obtained from an additional picture generation unit 223 thatgenerates an additional picture such as a text as necessary.Accordingly, a combined picture data of one screen is generated. Thecombined picture is displayed on the display panel 99. In other words,the display apparatus 10 is capable of displaying a plurality ofsize-reduced videos on one screen.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 27 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29.

The control unit 104 converts a plurality of pieces of video data to betransmitted into an appropriate size (Step S11). The control unit 104transmits a synchronization signal for synchronizing with the displayapparatus 10 as the reception side regarding a transmission andreception (Step S12). The control unit 104 confirms whether it iscurrently a blanking area (Step S13), transmits, when it is a blankingarea, control data or the like that is transmitted in the blanking area(Step S14), and repeats the processes from Step S12.

When it is not a blanking area in Step S13, the control unit 104transmits video data. Then, the control unit 104 initializes coordinates(x, y) of a pixel in a frame and a frame number (Steps S15 and S16) andtransmits pixel data of the coordinates (x0, y0) in the frame designatedby the pixel discrimination unit 32 d (Step S17). The frame number istypically a sequential number assigned to each frame. Next, the controlunit 104 changes the frame of the video data to be transmitted (or framenumber thereof) by the switch unit 32 b (Step S18). Pixel data havingcoordinates (x0, y0) that are the same as the coordinates of the pixeltransmitted in Step S17 (x0, y0) in the changed frame is transmitted.

The control unit 104 confirms whether pixel data of one frame of everypiece of video data, that has the same coordinates (x0, y0), has beentransmitted (Step S19). When there is pixel data of the coordinates (x0,y0) in a frame not yet transmitted, the control unit 104 returns to StepS17 and transmits pixel data of a frame of the video data, that has thesame coordinates (x0, y0).

When pixel data of one frame of every piece of video data, that has thecoordinates (x0, y0), is transmitted, the control unit 104 moves thecoordinates one at a time in the horizontal direction (Step S20). Inother words, the coordinates (x0, y0) are followed by coordinates (x1,y0), followed by coordinates (x2, y0), and so on, with the result thatthe coordinates of the pixel data to be transmitted are moved in thehorizontal direction.

The control unit 104 confirms whether the coordinates (x, y) of thepixel data to be transmitted have reached an end of the line in thehorizontal direction (Step S21), and when not having reached the end,returns to Step S16 to select a frame to be transmitted and repeats thesame processes.

Moreover, when pixel data of one line is transmitted upon horizontallymoving to the end of the line, the control unit 104 moves thecoordinates in the vertical direction (Step S22). The control unit 104confirms whether a transmission of pixel data has been completed for alllines (Step S23) and when not completed, repeats the processes from StepS12.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 28 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30. The control unit97 performs a synchronization after waiting for a synchronization signal(pixel clock) (Step S31) and confirms whether it is currently a blankingarea (Step S32). When it is currently a blanking area, the control unit97 receives a signal of the blanking area via the HDMI terminal 91 andthe IF unit 12 a (Step S33).

When it is not a blanking area, the control unit 97 initializescoordinates (x, y) of a pixel in a frame and a frame number (Steps S34and S35). Then, the control unit 97 receives pixel data that hascoordinates (x0, y0) designated by the pixel discrimination unit 12 d inthe frame corresponding to the frame number of the video data selectedby the switch unit 12 b (Step S36). The control unit 97 stores thereceived pixel data in one picture memory (e.g., 121 a) out of thepicture memories 121 a, 121 b, . . . 121 n.

The control unit 97 changes the frame of the video data (or frame numberthereof) by the switch unit 12 b (Step S37). Pixel data havingcoordinates (x0, y0) that are the same as the coordinates of the pixelthat has been received previously (x0, y0) in the changed frame isreceived. The received pixel data is stored in the next picture memory121 b.

The control unit 97 confirms whether pixel data of one frame of everypiece of video data, that has the same coordinates (x0, y0), has beenreceived (Step S38). When there is pixel data of the coordinates (x0,y0) in a frame not yet received, the control unit 97 returns to Step S36and transmits pixel data of the same coordinates (x0, y0) in a frame ofthe video data.

When pixel data of one frame of every piece of video data, that has thecoordinates (x0, y0), is received, the control unit 97 moves thecoordinates one at a time in the horizontal direction (Step S39). Inother words, the coordinates (x0, y0) are followed by coordinates (x1,y0), followed by coordinates (x2, y0), and so on, with the result thatthe coordinates of the pixel data to be received are moved in thehorizontal direction.

The control unit 97 confirms whether the coordinates (x, y) of the pixeldata to be received have reached an end of the line in the horizontaldirection (Step S40), and when not having reached the end, returns toStep S36 to select a frame to be received and repeats the sameprocesses.

Moreover, when pixel data of one line is transmitted upon horizontallymoving to the end of the line, the control unit 97 moves the coordinatesin the vertical direction (Step S41). The control unit 97 confirmswhether a reception of pixel data has been completed for all lines (StepS42) and when not completed, repeats the processes from Step S31.

It should be noted that in the case of transmitting a plurality ofpieces of video data in a pixel unit as in this embodiment, a videotransmission apparatus (recording/reproducing apparatus 30) notifies avideo reception apparatus (display apparatus 10) that data to betransmitted has a data structure as described above using a control datatransmission channel (e.g., DDC channel shown in FIG. 25) in the HDMIcable 1. Specifically, the fact that the data to be transmitted is dataconstituted of a packet header of InfoFrame of AVI (Auxiliary VideoInformation) (see FIG. 31) and a packet following the packet header (seeFIG. 32), that is one of the packets transmitted as control data, isnotified, for example. As shown in FIG. 32, detailed data on a locationof each video data is transmitted, and the data is discriminated andaccurately separated on the reception side.

Here, FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a conventional, general example of acase where primary-color data (R data, G data, and B data) istransmitted by an interface of an HDMI standard. B data, G data, and Rdata of video data are individually transmitted using three channels ofChannel 0, Channel 1, and Channel 2. The example of FIG. 45 showsperiods during which data of 5 pixels of Pixel 0, Pixel 1, Pixel 2,Pixel 3, and Pixel 4 are transmitted, and 1-pixel data of each channelis constituted of 8 bits.

Specifically, regarding the B data (blue-color data), Channel 0 is usedto transmit 8-bit B0 data during the period Pixel 0, followed by 8-bitB1 data, B2 data, B3 data, and B4 data that are sequentially transmittedin sync with the pixel clocks (not shown). Regarding the G data(green-color data), Channel 1 is used to transmit 8-bit G0 data duringthe period Pixel 0, followed by 8-bit G1 data, G1 data, G2 data, G3data, and G4 data that are sequentially transmitted in sync with thepixel clocks. Regarding the R data (red-color data), Channel 2 is usedto transmit 8-bit R0 data during the period Pixel 0, followed by 8-bitR1 data, R2 data, R3 data, and R4 data that are sequentially transmittedin sync with the pixel clocks. Phase 0, Phase 1, . . . shown in FIG. 45each indicate one cycle of the pixel clocks.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a conventional, general example of a casewhere a component video signal is transmitted by the interface of theHDMI standard. FIG. 46 shows an example of a case of YCbCr data in whicha sampling system is 4:2:2. In this case, out of the 8-bit datatransmitted per pixel clock in Channel 0, 4 bits are allocated to Y data(luminance data) and 4 bits are allocated to C data (chroma data).Moreover, 8 bits of Channel 1 are allocated to Y data, and 8 bits ofChannel 2 are allocated to C data. With such a structure, a transmissionof 12-bit Y data and 12-bit C data (6-bit Cb data and 6-bit Cr data) perpixel clock becomes possible.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a conventional example of a case where acomponent video signal of YCbCr data in which a sampling system is 4:4:4is transmitted by an interface of an HDMI standard. In this case,Channel 0 is allocated to Cb data of 8 bits per pixel clock. Moreover,Channel 1 is allocated to Y data of 8 bits per pixel clock, and Channel2 is allocated to Cr data of 8 bits per pixel clock. With such astructure, a transmission of 8-bit Y data and 16-bit C data per pixelclock becomes possible.

FIGS. 33 to 35 are diagrams showing a transmission example of the HDMIcable 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 33 is an example of a case where threepieces of video data of Frame J, Frame K, and Frame L are transmitted asdescribed above. FIG. 33 shows an example of transmitting primary-colordata (R data, G data, and B data), and B data, G data, and R data aretransmitted individually using three channels of Channel 0, Channel 1,and Channel 2. 1-pixel data of each channel is constituted of 8 bits,and the 8-bit data (total of 24-bit data in three channels) istransmitted in 1-pixel-clock cycles.

In this case, the period of Pixel 0 continues for a period of 3 pixelclocks. 24-bit data of Frame J is transmitted in the first one cycle ofthe 3-pixel-clock period, 24-bit data of Frame K is transmitted in thenext one cycle, and 24-bit data of Frame L is transmitted in the lastone cycle. After that, the pixel clock periods are similarly set3-clock-cycle each for a transmission.

It should be noted that when the number of pixels in a case where onlythe pixel data of one frame is transmitted as shown in FIG. 45 is thesame as the number of pixels of a frame that is constituted of threepieces of video data as shown in FIG. 33, the pixel clocks of therecording/reproducing apparatus 30 only need to be set to a frequency ofabout three times. When the pixel clocks are the same, the transmittablenumber of pixels of one frame becomes 1/3.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are diagrams each showing an example of a case where acomponent video signal is transmitted by the HDMI cable 1 of thisembodiment.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are each an example of a case where two pieces of videodata of Frame a and Frame b are transmitted. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35that respectively correspond to transmission processing shown in FIGS.46 and 47, two pieces of video data of Frame a and Frame b aretransmitted for each pixel in the order of Frame a and Frame b, with theresult that the two pieces of video data are transmitted at the sametime. Also in this case, when the numbers of pixels of the video dataare the same, the pixel clocks only need to be set to a higherfrequency.

It should be noted that in the case of this example, pixel data of eachpixel is transmitted for all frames. Therefore, it is also possible touniformize the number of pixels, that is, a screen size of all theframes. However, screen sizes may differ for a plurality of pieces ofvideo data that are transmitted at the same time. In this case, thenumber of pixels only needs to be determined according to a largestscreen, and even when data of a large-size screen remains, it is of noproblem. Since a data transmission of a small-size screen is completedbefore a transmission of a large-size screen, it is only necessary toinhibit a data transmission during a transmission period of a small-sizepixel.

As described heretofore, according to this embodiment, a plurality ofvideos can be transmitted by one cable at the same time. Therefore, aplurality of cables do not need to be provided, with the result that anapparatus connection structure becomes simple.

Moreover, in this embodiment, display of an index picture such asthumbnail display that uses a moving image becomes possible, and a usercan easily select a plurality of contents of a source apparatus via asink apparatus.

Further, when the sink apparatus does not support the processingaccording to this embodiment, only one piece of video data selected by auser or selected by a sink apparatus only needs to be displayed out of aplurality of pieces of transmitted video data. This processing is thesame as pixel doubling processing of performing a double transmissionfor each pixel data. Specifically, in the case of a sink apparatus ofthe HDMI standard, the processing of this embodiment can be easilyhandled, and videos are not disturbed. Furthermore, since the processingstructure of this embodiment has a degree of freedom in a setting of thenumber of overlaps of pixels, a plurality of contents can be transmittedunwastefully.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 36 to 40. A basic transmission system structureof this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment describedwith reference to FIGS. 22 to 26, and a basic structure for connectingthe recording/reproducing apparatus 30 and the display apparatus by theHDMI cable 1 is the same. Specifics of the processing of transmitting aplurality of pieces of video data at the same time in this embodiment isdifferent from that of the first embodiment. In descriptions below,different points will mainly be described, and descriptions on blocksthat are the same as those shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 will be simplifiedor omitted. In addition, descriptions on FIGS. 36 to 40 are practicallyto help understand a fourth embodiment (to be described later) as atypical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing video datatransmission processing in the recording/reproducing apparatus 30. Thestructure shown in

FIG. 36 is executed under control of the control unit 104 shown in FIG.24.

Referring to FIG. 40, a data structure of one frame will be described.FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a transmission structure of thisembodiment, that is, a diagram showing a transmission structure of oneframe in an HDMI standard.

This embodiment describes an example in which 9 types of video data ofFrames J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, and R are transmitted by one HDMI cable 1. 9transmission areas of Areas J to R are set such that an active videoarea in which pixel data of video data of one frame is originallyarranged is divided into 9. Areas J to R are areas respectivelycorresponding to Frames J to R and areas where pictures obtained bycontracting Frames J to R are transmitted. In the example of FIG. 40,the entire active video area is constituted of 480 lines×720 pixels, andone divisional area is constituted of 160 lines×240 pixels.

Referring back to FIG. 36, for dividing the transmission areas asdescribed above, the clock generation unit 32 c also supplies pixelclocks that are supplied to the interface unit 32 b that transmits videodata to an in-frame area discrimination unit 32 e. The in-frame areadiscrimination unit 32 e discriminates which of the areas in one framethe current transmission timing is in, that is, which video data ofFrames J to R should be transmitted. The control unit 104 controls aswitch of the switch unit 32 a based on the discrimination, and theswitch unit 32 a selects the video data to be transmitted.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing processingfor the display apparatus 10 to receive video data transmitted to theHDMI cable 1 as described above. The structure shown in FIG. 37 isexecuted under control of the control unit 97 shown in FIG. 23.

The display apparatus 10 receives data by the interface unit 12 a insync with the pixel clocks received by the clock unit 12 c and suppliesit to the switch unit 12 b. An in-frame area discrimination unit 12jdiscriminates to which of the divisional areas of Frames J to R thereceived data belongs. The switch unit 12 b supplies the data to thepicture memories 121 a, 121 b, . . . 121 n that individually store aplurality of pieces of video data based on the discrimination of thein-frame area discrimination unit 12 j. The picture combination unit 222combines the video data stored in the picture memories 121 a, 121 b, . .. 121 n and a video obtained from the additional picture generation unit223 that generates an additional picture such as a text as necessary.Accordingly, the combined picture is displayed on the display panel 99.In other words, the display apparatus 10 is capable of displaying aplurality of size-reduced videos on one screen.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 36 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 38. Here, processesdifferent from those of the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 will mainly bedescribed, and descriptions on the same processes will be simplified oromitted.

After Step S56, the control unit 104 transmits pixel data of coordinateswithin an area (e.g., Area J) corresponding to a frame designated by thein-frame area discrimination unit 32 e (e.g., Frame J) (Step S57). Thecontrol unit 104 horizontally moves the coordinates of the pixel data tobe transmitted in the frame (Step S58). The control unit 104 confirms,by the in-frame area discrimination unit 32 e, whether the coordinateshave moved to a boundary of the area (e.g., Area J) corresponding to thevideo data that is currently being transmitted (e.g., Frame J) (StepS59).

If the coordinates of the pixel data to be transmitted have not reachedthe boundary, the control unit 104 repeats the processes from Step S57.If the coordinates have reached the boundary, the control unit 104confirms whether a transmission of pixel data of one line has beencompleted (Step S60). When not completed in Step S60, the control unit104 changes the frame to be transmitted to another frame (Step S61) andrepeats the processes from Step S57.

When the transmission of one line has been completed, the control unit104 moves the coordinates in the vertical direction (Step S62) andconfirms whether they are at the boundary of the area (Step S63). If thecoordinates are not at the boundary, the processes are repeated fromStep S52. If the coordinates are at the boundary of the area, thecontrol unit 104 confirms whether pixel data of all lines has beentransmitted (Step S64). When not completed in Step S64, the control unit104 changes the frame to be transmitted to another frame (Step S65)(e.g., changes Frame L to Frame M) and repeats the processes from StepS52.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 37 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 39. Here, processesdifferent from those of the flowchart shown in FIG. 30 will mainly bedescribed, and descriptions on the same processes will be simplified oromitted.

After Step S165, the control unit 97 receives pixel data of coordinateswithin an area (e.g., Area J) corresponding to a frame designated by thein-frame area discrimination unit 12j (e.g., Frame J) (Step S166). Thecontrol unit 97 stores the received pixel data in one of the picturememories 121 a, 121 b, . . . 121 n (e.g., 121 a).

The control unit 97 horizontally moves the coordinates in the areacorresponding to the frame to be received (Step S167). The control unit97 confirms, by the in-frame area discrimination unit 12j, whether thecoordinates have moved to a boundary of the area (Step S168). If thecoordinates have not reached the boundary of the area, the control unit97 repeats the processes from Step S166. On the contrary, if thecoordinates have reached the boundary of the area, the control unit 97confirms whether a reception of pixel data of one line has beencompleted (Step S169).

When not completed in Step S169, the control unit 97 changes the frameto be received (Step S170) and repeats the processes from Step S166.When the reception of pixel data of one line is completed, the controlunit 97 moves the coordinates in the vertical direction (Step S171) andconfirms whether they are at the boundary of the area (Step S172).

If the coordinates are not at the boundary of the area in Step S172, thecontrol unit 97 repeats the processes from Step S161. If the coordinatesare at the boundary of the area in Step S172, the control unit 97confirms whether pixel data of all lines has been received (Step S173).When not completed in Step S173, the control unit 97 changes the frameto be transmitted to another frame (Step S174) (e.g., changes Frame L toFrame M) and repeats the processes from Step S161.

It should be noted that the way of sectioning the entire frame shown inFIG. 40 is a mere example. It is also possible to perform a divisionsuch that sizes of the areas become equal as shown in FIG. 40 or sizesof the areas differ. In this case, the recording/reproducing apparatus30 is capable of transmitting videos of different sizes.

Further, an area not allocated with video data may be present in oneframe after various areas are allocated to that frame. In this case,although a transmission efficiency is lowered, a degree of freedom insetting screen sizes is improved.

Furthermore, frames obtained by size-reducing a plurality of consecutiveframes in one piece of video data may be allocated to a plurality ofareas in one frame as in FIG. 40. In this case, the user is capable ofperforming trick play such as fast-forward and rewind within a datarange of the plurality of consecutive frames.

As described heretofore, by dividing the data area of one frame into aplurality of areas and transmitting a plurality of pieces of video datain area units, a plurality of videos can be transmitted with one cableas in the case of the first embodiment.

Also in the case of this embodiment, the display apparatus 10 as thesink apparatus can display moving-image thumbnails and the like so thata plurality of contents that the source apparatus has can be selectedwith ease.

Further, even when the sink apparatus does not support the receptionprocessing of this embodiment, the frame structure of the HDMI standardis maintained as shown in FIG. 40. Therefore, the display apparatus 10as the sink apparatus can display a screen in which a plurality ofvideos are aligned, and the displayed videos are not disturbed. FIG. 40merely shows an example, and by subdividing the screen areas, a largeamount of videos can be transmitted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 41 to 44. A basic transmission system structure ofthis embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment describedwith reference to FIGS. 22 to 26, and a basic structure for connectingthe recording/reproducing apparatus 30 and the display apparatus 10 bythe HDMI cable 1 is the same. In addition, descriptions on FIGS. 41 to44 are practically to help understand the fourth embodiment (to bedescribed later) as a typical embodiment of the present invention.

Specifics of the processing of transmitting a plurality of pieces ofvideo data at the same time in this embodiment is different from that ofthe first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, main video data(uncompressed video data) is transmitted in a video section (activevideo area in FIG. 26) defined by the HDMI standard. Other pieces ofvideo data are transmitted in data island sections within the blankingareas as video data compressed (encoded) by a predetermined codec. Indescriptions below, different points will mainly be described.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing video datatransmission processing in the recording/reproducing apparatus 30. Thestructure shown in FIG. 41 is executed under control of the control unit104 shown in FIG. 24.

Out of a plurality of pieces of compressed video data stored in thelarge-capacity storage apparatus 42, video data transmitted asuncompressed video data is decoded by a decode unit 113 and output fromthe interface unit 32 b via a superimposition unit 32 f.

A blanking area discrimination unit 32 h discriminates the blanking areain the uncompressed video data based on the clocks supplied from theclock generation unit 32 c and supplies it to the superimposition unit32 f. Accordingly, the blanking area discrimination unit 32 hsuperimposes a signal of the video data from the switch unit 32 a on theblanking area.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the size conversion units112 a to 112 n shown in FIGS. 27 and 36 are not provided. The sizeconversion units 112 a to 112 n have been provided in FIGS. 27 and 36since the decode units 111a to 111n have been provided at a stage beforethem. However, even without the size conversion units 112 a to 112 n inthe structure shown in FIG. 41, compressed video data is size-reduced inadvance by the size/compression method conversion unit 45 and stored inthe large-capacity storage apparatus 42. Therefore, there is no problemregarding display of index videos.

An in-blanking-area allocation unit 32 g allocates compressed video datato the blanking areas confirmed by the blanking area discrimination unit32 h based on the frame numbers supplied from the control unit 104. Inthis case, a plurality of pieces of compressed video data are typicallyallocated. However, one frame of one piece of compressed video data maybe allocated to the blanking area in one frame. Further, thein-blanking-area allocation unit 32 g allocates the frame number of thecompressed video data, data related to the video data, and the like tothe blanking area.

The switch unit 32 a selects compressed video data out of a plurality ofpieces of compressed video data stored in the large-capacity storageapparatus 42 based on an instruction from the in-blanking-areaallocation unit 32 g and outputs it to the superimposition unit 32 f.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing processingfor the display apparatus 10 to receive video data transmitted to theHDMI cable 1 as described above. The structure shown in FIG. 42 isexecuted under control of the control unit 97 shown in FIG. 23.

The display apparatus 10 receives data by the interface unit 12 a insync with the pixel clocks received by the clock unit 12 c and suppliesit to a separation unit 12 e. A synchronization signal of the receiveddata is supplied to a blanking area discrimination unit 12 h.Accordingly, the blanking area discrimination unit 12 h discriminateswhether it is currently a blanking area period.

Based on the discrimination of the blanking area discrimination unit 12h, the separation unit 12 e supplies uncompressed video data to apicture memory 126 out of superimposed video signals supplied from theIF unit 12 a. The separation unit 12 e also supplies, based on thediscrimination of the blanking area discrimination unit 12 h, compressedvideo data to the switch unit 12 b out of the superimposed video signalssupplied from the IF unit 12 a.

An in-blanking-area allocation unit 12 g discriminates, for example, aframe number allocated in the blanking area confirmed by the blankingarea discrimination unit 12 h. Based on the discrimination of the framenumber, the switch unit 12 b categorizes a plurality of pieces ofcompressed video data supplied from the separation unit 12 e. Thecategorized video data is input to decode units (decoders) 124 a, 124 b,. . . 124 n and decoded to uncompressed video data. The decodeduncompressed video data is input to picture memories 125 a, 125 b, . . .125 n.

The picture combination unit (combination means) 222 combines the videodata stored in the picture memories 125 a, 125 b, . . . 125 n and videosobtained from the additional picture generation unit 223 that generatesan additional picture such as a text as necessary. The combined pictureis displayed on the display panel 99. In other words, the displayapparatus can display a plurality of size-reduced videos on one screen.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 41 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 43. Here, processesthat are different from those of the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 willmainly be described, and descriptions on the same processes will besimplified or omitted.

The control unit 104 transmits a synchronization signal forsynchronizing with the display apparatus 10 as the reception sideregarding a transmission and reception (Step S91). The control unit 104initializes a frame number to be transmitted to a blanking area (StepS92) and confirms whether it is currently a blanking area (Step S93). Ifit is currently a blanking area, the control unit 104 executes processesof Steps S101 to S106, and if it is not, executes processes of Steps S94to S100.

Processing carried out in a case where it currently is not a blankingarea will be described first. The control unit 104 confirms whetherthere is uncompressed video data to be transmitted in a period of avideo signal that is not a blanking area (whether allocation is made)(Step S94). When there is no uncompressed video data, the control unit104 repeats the processes from Step S93, and when there is, initializescoordinates in the frame to be transmitted (Step S95).

The control unit 104 transmits pixel data of each coordinates (StepS96). The control unit 104 moves the coordinates in the horizontaldirection (Step S97), confirms whether a transmission of pixel data ofone line has been completed (Step S98), and when not completed, repeatsthe processes from Step S96. When the transmission of pixel data of oneline is completed, the control unit 104 moves the coordinates in thevertical direction (Step S99). The control unit 104 confirms whether atransmission of pixel data of all lines has been completed (Step S100)and repeats the processes from Step S91 until it is completed.

On the other hand, when it is currently a blanking area in Step S93, thecontrol unit 104 transmits a predetermined volume of data of compressedvideo data (e.g., video data 0) that corresponds to the frame number(e.g., number 0) designated by the in-blanking-area allocation unit 12g(Step S101).

The predetermined volume of data is pixel data corresponding to apredetermined number of pixels within one frame of the video data 0,data corresponding to a predetermined number of lines within one frameof the video data 0, or the like.

The control unit 104 confirms whether a transmission of one frame of thevideo data 0 has been completed (Step S102) and when not completed,confirms whether the blanking area is ended (Step S103). When theblanking area is not yet ended, the control unit 104 repeats theprocesses from Step S101 and continues transmitting the data, and whenthe blanking area is ended, returns to Step S91.

When the transmission of one frame of the video data is completed, thecontrol unit 104 confirms whether a transmission of all frames of thevideo data 0 has been completed (Step S104). When the transmission ofall frames is completed, the control unit 104 transmits other signals tobe transmitted to the blanking area (Step S105) and returns to Step S91.When the transmission of all frames is not completed, the control unit104 changes the frame number (changes it to number 1) (Step S106) andtransmits a predetermined volume of data of Frame 1 (corresponding toframe number 1) of the compressed video data 0 (Step S101).

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 42 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 44.

The control unit 97 performs a synchronization after waiting for asynchronization signal (Step S211) and initializes a frame numberreceived from a blanking area (Step S212). The control unit 97 confirmswhether it is currently a blanking area by the blanking areadiscrimination unit (Step S213). When it is a blanking area, the controlunit 97 executes processes of Steps S221 to S226 and when not, executesprocesses of Steps S214 to S220.

When it is not the blanking area in Step S213, the control unit 97confirms whether uncompressed video data is input from the IF unit 12 a(Step S214). When uncompressed video data is not input, the control unit97 repeats the processes from Step S211. When uncompressed video data isinput, the control unit 97 initializes coordinates of a pixel of a frameof the uncompressed video data and a frame number (Step S215). Then, thecontrol unit 97 receives pixel data of the received video data (StepS216), moves the coordinates in the horizontal direction (Step S217),and confirms whether recording of pixel data of one line has beencompleted (Step S218).

When the reception of one line is not completed, the control unit 97repeats the processes from Step S216 and when completed, moves thecoordinates in the vertical direction (Step S219) and confirms whether areception of pixel data of all lines has been completed (Step S220).When the reception of all lines is not completed, the processes fromStep S211 are repeated.

On the other hand, when it is currently a blanking area in Step S213,the control unit 97 receives a frame number (e.g., number 0) of oneframe of compressed video data (e.g., video data 0) received in theblanking area and pixel data of that one frame (Step S221). The controlunit 97 confirms whether a reception of data of one frame of thecompressed video data 0 has been completed (Step S222). When thereception of data of one frame is not completed, the control unit 97confirms whether the blanking area is ended (Step S223) and when notended, returns to Step S221 to additionally receive pixel data. When theblanking area is ended, the control unit 97 repeats the processes fromStep S211.

When the reception of pixel data of one frame is completed, the controlunit 97 confirms whether a reception of all frames of the video data 0has been completed (Step S224). When the reception is completed, thecontrol unit 97 receives other signals to be transmitted to the blankingarea (Step S225) and repeats the processes from Step S211. When thereception of all frames of the video data 0 is not completed, thecontrol unit 97 changes the frame number to a frame number designated bythe in-blanking-area allocation unit 12 g (changes it to number 1) (StepS226) and repeats the processes from Step S221.

In FIG. 43, the compressed video data transmitted in the blanking areasmay have different framed rates. In this case, videos of various sizescan be transmitted. The number of pieces of compressed video datatransmitted in the blanking areas may either be one or plural.

Compressed video data corresponding to a plurality of frames instead ofone frame may be transmitted while uncompressed video data correspondingto one frame is being transmitted. The data amount to be transmitted maybe changed for each video data. In this case, the number of displayframes of a specific video can be changed, and the user can performtrick play such as fast-forward and rewind within a range of the numberof frames.

Since a plurality of pieces of video data are transmitted and receivedusing the blanking areas as described above, a plurality of videos canbe transmitted with one cable as in the first and second embodiments,with the result that a plurality of cables do not need to be provided.

In this embodiment, display of thumbnail pictures becomes possible, andthe user can easily select a plurality of contents on the sourceapparatus via the sink apparatus. Moreover, since a detection of videodata of data islands in the blanking areas only needs to be inhibitedwhen the sink apparatus is an unsupported apparatus, videos are notdisturbed even when connected. Moreover, since uncompressed video datais also transmitted, it is possible to make a switch at an extremelyhigh speed with respect to a largest video defined in the transmissionchannel.

It should be noted that the embodiments described heretofore havedescribed the example in which uncompressed video data is transmittedunidirectionally in the transmission channel of the HDMI standard.However, the embodiments are also applicable to a case where thetransmission side and the reception side are similarly connected byother transmission lines for transmitting uncompressed video data insync with pixel clocks.

Next, the fourth embodiment as a typical embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 48 to 52.

In descriptions below, points different from those of the first, second,or third embodiment will mainly be described.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing video datatransmission processing in the recording/reproducing apparatus 30. Thestructure shown in FIG. 48 is executed under control of the control unit104 shown in FIG. 3. Descriptions on the structure shown in FIG. 48 willmainly be given on points that are different from those of FIG. 41.

Out of a plurality of pieces of compressed video data stored in thelarge-capacity storage apparatus 42, video data transmitted asuncompressed video data is decoded by the decode unit 113 and outputfrom the IF unit 32 b.

A transmission data control unit 32 i communicates with a reception datacontrol unit 12 i to be described later, that is shown in FIG. 49.Typically, the transmission data control unit 32 i transmits to thereception data control unit 12 i data including information on whetherto transmit any of a plurality of pieces of compressed video data storedin the large-capacity storage apparatus 42, information on a volume ofvideo data to be transmitted, and the like. The data of those pieces ofinformation is also supplied to the IF unit 32 b.

A control signal including the data of those pieces of informationoutput from the transmission data control unit 32 i (control signalrelated to transmission) is typically transmitted to the reception datacontrol unit 12 i via terminals 336 and 338. However, the control signalmay be transmitted by a different line such as a CEC line.

The transmission data control unit 32 i or the transmission data controlunit 32 i and the control unit 104 functions/function as a controlmeans.

The switch unit 32 a selects one of a plurality of pieces of video datasupplied from the large-capacity storage apparatus 42 according to videodata designated by the transmission data control unit 32 i (oridentification number thereof) and supplies it to the IF unit 32 b.

The IF unit 32 b transmits video data decoded by the decode unit 113from a terminal 335. Moreover, compressed video data supplied from theswitch unit 32 a is transmitted via the terminal 336. The terminal 335is included in the first channel unit described above. For example, whenthe IF unit 32 b is an HDMI, the terminal 335 is a terminal for a TMDSchannel. The terminal 336 is included in the second channel unit. Forexample, when the IF unit 32 b is an HDMI, the terminal 336 is at leastone of terminals connected to a reserved line, an HPD line, an SCL line,and an SDA line.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a block structure for realizing processingfor the display apparatus 10 to receive video data transmitted to theHDMI cable 1 as described above. The structure shown in FIG. 49 isexecuted under control of the control unit 97 shown in FIG. 2.

Uncompressed video data transmitted from the recording/reproducingapparatus 30 via the terminal 335 is input to the IF unit 32 b via aterminal 337. Further, compressed video data transmitted from therecording/reproducing apparatus 30 via the terminal 336 is input to theIF unit 32 b via the terminal 338.

The reception data control unit 12 i communicates with the transmissiondata control unit 32 i as described above. Typically, the reception datacontrol unit 12i receives data including information on whether totransmit any of a plurality of pieces of compressed video datatransmitted from the transmission data control unit 32 i, information ona volume of video data to be transmitted, and the like. The receptiondata control unit 12 i transmits response data with respect to thereception to the transmission data control unit 32 i. Those pieces ofinformation are also supplied to the IF unit 12 a.

A control signal including the data of those pieces of informationoutput from the reception data control unit 12 i (control signal relatedto reception) is typically transmitted to the transmission data controlunit 32 i via terminals 338 and 336. However, the control signal may betransmitted by a different line such as a CEC line.

The reception data control unit 12 i or the reception data control unit12 i and the control unit 97 functions/function as a control means.

The switch unit 12 b selects one decode unit out of the decode units 124a, 124 b, . . . 124 n according to video data designated by thereception data control unit 12 i (or identification number thereof) andsupplies video data supplied from the IF unit 12 a to the selecteddecode unit.

The uncompressed video data input to the IF unit 12 a via the terminal337 is input to the picture memory 126.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 48 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 50.

The transmission data control unit 32 i starts two processing threads(Step S131). The two processing threads are transmission processing ofuncompressed video data in Steps S231 to S233 and transmissionprocessing of compressed video data in Steps S241 to S244.

The transmission data control unit 32 i confirms whether there is atransmission command of uncompressed video data from the control unit104 (or whether there is uncompressed video data in buffer memory (notshown) or the like) (Step S231). When there is a transmission command,the transmission data control unit 32 i transmits uncompressed videodata from the IF unit 32 b and the terminal 335 (Step S232) and whenthere is no transmission command, repeats the processes from Step S232.The transmission data control unit 32 i confirms whether there istransmission processing of compressed video data by the other thread(Step S233) and if there is not, ends the two threads.

In the other thread, the transmission data control unit 32 i confirmstransmittable compressed video data, a data amount thereof, and the likeby communicating with the reception data control unit 12 i (Step S241).When there is video data to be transmitted as a result of communicatingwith the reception data control unit 12 i (YES in Step S242), thetransmission data control unit 32 i transmits that video data (StepS243). When there is no video data to be transmitted (NO in Step S242),the transmission data control unit 32 i repeats the processes from StepS241.

The transmission data control unit 32 i confirms whether there istransmission processing of uncompressed video data by the other thread(Step S244) and if there is not, ends the two threads.

As described above, since the first and second vide data are transmittedby two different lines (line connecting terminals 335 and 337 and lineconnecting terminals 336 and 338), a plurality of pieces of video datacan be efficiently transmitted at the same time.

Next, an operation carried out by the structure shown in FIG. 49 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 51.

The control unit 97 starts two processing threads (Step S151). The twoprocessing threads are transmission processing of uncompressed videodata in Steps S251 to S253 and transmission processing of compressedvideo data in Steps S261 to S264.

The reception data control unit 12 i confirms whether there is areception command of uncompressed video data from the control unit 97(or whether there is uncompressed video data in buffer memory (notshown) or the like) (Step S251). When there is a transmission command,the reception data control unit 12 i receives uncompressed video datafrom the IF unit 32 b and the terminal 335 (Step S252) and when there isno transmission command, repeats the processes from Step S252. Thereception data control unit 12 i confirms whether there is receptionprocessing of compressed video data by the other thread (Step S253) andif there is not, ends the two threads.

In the other thread, the reception data control unit 12 i confirmsreceivable compressed video data, a data amount thereof, and the like bycommunicating with the transmission data control unit 32 i (Step S261).When there is video data to be received as a result of communicatingwith the transmission data control unit 32 i (YES in Step S262), thereception data control unit 12 i receives that video data (Step S263).When there is no video data to be received (NO in Step S262), thereception data control unit 12 i repeats the processes from Step S261.

The reception data control unit 12 i confirms whether there istransmission processing of uncompressed video data by the other thread(Step S2644) and if there is not, ends the two threads.

As described above, since the first and second video data aretransmitted by two different lines (line connecting terminals 335 and337 and line connecting terminals 336 and 338), a plurality of pieces ofvideo data can be efficiently transmitted at the same time.

Moreover, since the data is transmitted at high speed using the lineconnecting the terminals 336 and 338, there is not much restrictions onthe number of pieces of compressed video data to be transmitted or adata amount thereof. Therefore, the recording/reproducing apparatus 30as the source apparatus does not need to resize a data amount of athumbnail picture necessary in the display apparatus 10. In other words,it is also possible for the recording/reproducing apparatus 30 totransmit a large amount of video data to the display apparatus 10 as itis and cause the display apparatus 10 to resize the video data.

The transmission data control unit 32 i typically transmits audio dataincluded in a content of uncompressed video data (first audio data) viathe line connecting the terminals 335 and 337.

Further, the transmission data control unit 32 i only needs to transmitaudio data included in a content of compressed video data (second audiodata) via the line connecting the terminals 336 and 338. Accordingly, aplurality of pieces of audio data included in a plurality of contentsare transmitted at the same time. As a result, the sink apparatus thathas received the plurality of pieces of audio data can output thoseplurality of audios to the plurality of speakers, for example.Alternatively, the sink apparatus can superimpose parts of the pluralityof pieces of received audio data and output them to one speaker.

For example, assuming that, when one video content is reproduced by thedisplay apparatus 10 as the sink apparatus, the user has made a switchto another video content while looking at a GUI (Graphical UserInterface) as the index video displayed on the display apparatus 10, thedisplay apparatus 10 gradually lowers a volume output so that audio dataincluded in the content from before the switch fades out. The displayapparatus 10 is capable of causing audio data included in the switchedcontent to fade in so that the volume output gradually becomes largeralong with the fadeout.

Alternatively, the transmission data control unit 32 i may transmituncompressed audio data included in a content of uncompressed video datavia the line connecting the terminals 336 and 338.

In this embodiment, a control signal exchanged among the transmissiondata control unit 32 i and the terminals 335 and 337 is communicatedbidirectionally by the line connecting the terminals 336 and 338.Therefore, a volume restriction is hardly placed on the control signal.Thus, the transmission data control unit 32 i can determine a detaileddata amount in accordance with a data amount of a UI such as a thumbnailpicture on the screen of the display apparatus 10 or a data amountsupplied to the decode units 124 a to 124 n (e.g., in accordance withperformance of display apparatus 10). As a result, there is a merit thata buffer does not need to be additionally provided in the displayapparatus 10 or a UI change request from the user can be immediatelyreflected on the display apparatus 10.

In this embodiment, a plurality of pieces of compressed video data havebeen transmitted via the line connecting the terminals 336 and 338.However, a plurality of pieces of compressed video data do not alwaysneed to be transmitted, and one piece of compressed video data (onecontent) may be transmitted instead. In other words, in this case,uncompressed video data transmitted via the line connecting theterminals 335 and 337 and one piece of compressed video data aretransmitted at the same time.

In this embodiment, the control unit 104 may transmit a control signalrelated to a transmission of uncompressed video data via the lineconnecting the terminals 336 and 338.

As described above, the first to fourth embodiments have the followingunique merits.

Since a plurality of pieces of video data are transmitted at the sametime, it is advantageous also when there are a plurality of displayapparatuses 10. In other words, it is effective in a multi-displayapplication.

Alternatively, it also becomes possible for one display apparatus 10 todisplay a 3D video by transmitting a plurality of pieces of video dataat the same time.

Since a high-definition video is transmitted with one cable, it is alsopossible for the user to view the individual videos in normal sizes whenthe display apparatus includes an enormous display unit having aresolution exceeding a normal resolution and a plurality of thumbnailpictures are displayed on the display unit.

In addition, as a GUI available for the display apparatus 10, there is across-media bar in which a plurality of different thumbnail pictures arearranged in a cross shape. Alternatively, a simple matrix arrangement isalso possible. Moreover, at least one of the thumbnail pictures may be amoving image.

Alternatively, it is also possible to set one of a plurality of piecesof video data as a video to be viewed by the user in real time and setother one or more pieces of video data as a recording video. The sinkapparatus only needs to be equipped with a storage device capable ofrecording recording data, such as a hard disk, a solid-state memory, andan optical disc. Typically, video data for real-time viewing isuncompressed video data, and others are compressed video data. However,the opposite is also possible.

The technique that uses the line connecting the terminals 336 and 338for transmitting and receiving compressed video data may be applied tothe second or third embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition toarea-segmented compressed vide data, an additional one or a plurality ofdifferent pieces of compressed video data may be transmitted using theline connecting the terminals 336 and 338. In the third embodiment, inaddition to a plurality of pieces of compressed video data allocated tothe blanking areas, an additional one or a plurality of different piecesof compressed video data may be transmitted using the line connectingthe terminals 336 and 338.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

35 HDMI(R) cable

71 HDMI(R) source

72 HDMI(R) sink

81 transmitter

82 receiver

83 DDC

84 CEC line

85 EDIDROM

121 switching control unit

124 switching control unit

131 conversion unit

132 decode unit

133 switch

134 conversion unit

135 switch

136 decode unit

141 signal line

171 switching control unit

172 switching control unit

181 switch

182 switch

183 decode unit

184 conversion unit

185 switch

186 switch

191 SDA line

192 SCL line

222 picture combination unit

335-338 terminal

400 communication system

401 LAN function expansion HDMI(EH) source apparatus

411 LAN signal transmitter circuit

412 terminating resistor

413, 414 AC coupling capacitor

415 LAN signal receiver circuit

416 subtracting circuit

421 pull-up resistor

422 resistor

423 capacitor

424 comparator

431 pull-down resistor

432 resistor

433 capacitor

434 comparator

402 EH sink apparatus

441 LAN signal transmitter circuit

442 terminating resistor

443, 444 AC coupling capacitor

445 LAN signal receiver circuit

446 subtracting circuit

451 pull-down resistor

452 resistor

453 capacitor

454 comparator

461 choke coil

462, 463 resistor

403 EH cable

501 reserved line

502 HPD Line

511, 512 source-side terminal

521, 522 sink-side terminal

600 communication system

601 LAN function expansion HDMI(EH) source apparatus

611 LAN signal transmitter circuit

612, 613 terminating resistor

614-617 AC coupling capacitor

618 LAN signal receiver circuit

620 inverter

621 resistor

622 resistor

623 capacitor

624 comparator

631 pull-down resistor

632 resistor

633 capacitor

634 comparator

640 NOR gate

641-644 analog switch

645 inverter

646, 647 analog switch

651, 652 DDC transceiver

653, 654 pull-up resistor

602 EH sink apparatus

661 LAN signal transmitter circuit

662, 663 terminating resistor

664-667 AC coupling capacitor

668 LAN signal receiver circuit

671 pull-down resistor

672 resistor

673 capacitor

674 comparator

681 choke coil

682, 683 resistor

691-694 analog switch

695 inverter

696, 697 analog switch

701, 702 DDC transceiver

703 pull-up resistor

603 EH cable

801 reserved line

802 HPD line

803 SCL line

804 SDA line

811-814 source-side terminal

821-824 sink-side terminal

1. (canceled)
 2. A transmitting method comprising the steps of:detecting a connection status between a transmitting apparatus and anexternal device by DC bias of at least one of a pair of differentiallines included in a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable;transmitting first data, which is baseband and is stored in a contentstorage unit that stores video contents including video programs of atleast one of broadcast programs or movies, to the external device asdifferential signals via transmitting lines for baseband data, thetransmitting lines being included in the HDMI cable; transmitting seconddata, which is different from the first data, to the external device viaa reserved line and a hot plug detect (HPD) line included in the HDMIcable, receiving third data, which is different from the first data,from the external device via the reserved line and HPD line; andsubtracting the second data from the third data.